Bishop Julian Gordy has appointed two new deans to serve the Southeastern Synod. The Rev. Barbara Koch, Zion, Guyton, GA, has been appointed to serve the cluster in the Ebenezer Conference on the Georgia Coast, and the Rev. Michael Huntley, Martin Luther, Mobile, and Holy Trinity, Daphne. AL, has been appointed to serve the Ruach Conference on the Gulf Coast.

Pastor Michael Huntely

Deans serve as the bishop's representative in a limited geographical area called a deanery or cluster. There are 17 such clusters in our synod. Deans provide pastoral care to rostered leaders in their deaneries and facilitate good communication between the bishop's office and the congregations in the cluster. Pastor Jill Henning, Trinity, Lilburn, GA, coordinates the work of the deans.

Pastor Barb Koch

  "The work of deans is vital to the health of a synod, especially one with the geographical challenges our's has," Bishop Gordy said. "Both these pastors are respected by their peers and bring excellent pastoral skills to this important work. I am grateful for their willingness to serve in this way, and I am grateful for the good work of their predecessors." Pastor Koch replaces former Dean Wayne Cobb, who has resigned and moved to North Carolina. Pastor Huntley replaces Pastor Barbara Hunter who has retired.