Calmly and professionally, Pastor Glenn Monson described what could be significant news for him and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

Monson is one of eight candidates to fill a vacant role of bishop within the Southeastern Minnesota Synod. He calls the nomination, “a wonderful affirmation.” The Southeastern Minnesota released its list of 14 candidates at the end of January and whittled the field down to eight in March. In May, Monson will join the others in a forum and answer questions about the church. Then pastors of churches within the synod, along with their lay members, will vote on the new bishop.

Yet Monson joked about what could be the triple crown for Austin.

“I get a lot of kidding about that,” he said. “Will this be three for Austin?”

Monson could be the third Austin pastor to become a bishop for Southeastern Minnesota Synod. In fact, the bishop position opening is currently held by the Rev. Harold Usgaard, who formerly led St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Usgaard became bishop in 2001 but is retiring. The other bishop from Austin was Glenn Nycklemoe.

Monson was previously nominated 12 years ago; however, he felt he wasn’t ready to take on such a role. This time, however, he is.

Whoever receives the most votes will become bishop for the Southeastern Minnesota Synod and begin work in June.

The Southeastern Minnesota Synod is a faith community of more than 175,000 baptized people in 175 congregations and is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.