Pastor Amy Ziettlow Called as Assistant to the Bishop
“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).
The Synod Council of the Central/Southern Illinois Synod voted unanimously to call the Reverend Amy Ziettlow as full-time Assistant to the Bishop for Transformational Leadership. Primary responsibilities of this new role will include: candidacy, call process, interim ministry, synod-authorized ministry, and First Call Theological Education. In addition, this new role will explore how we can think creatively and missionally about leadership in our congregations given the ever-changing context in which we find ourselves.
Pastor Ziettlow currently serves as Pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Decatur and as Dean of the East-Central Conference. In addition, she teaches dance in the Decatur community. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1996 and her Master of Divinity Degree from the University of Chicago in 1999. Prior to moving to Decatur, Pastor Ziettlow worked for The Hospice of Baton Rouge, first as Director of Volunteer Services and Chaplain and later as Chief Operating Officer. Pastor Ziettlow’s first call was as Assistant Pastor at Our Redeemer in Marion, Illinois.
Pastor Ziettlow is married to the Reverend Michael Karunas, senior minister at Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Decatur. They are the parents of three children.
Pastor Ziettlow’s call to the synod will begin on November 1. We look forward to Pastor Ziettlow’s faithful, creative, and joy-filled leadership among us!