Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

At the 2026 Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod Assembly, held June 4-6 at Split Rock Resort in Lake Harmony,

Pastor Jennifer Dee was elected to a six-year term as bishop, becoming the first woman elected bishop of

the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod.

Bishop-Elect Dee has served as Lead Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church since 2023, after serving as Associate

Pastor there for more than a decade. She was ordained in 2008 and previously served St. John's Lutheran

Church in Loogootee, Indiana. She earned a Master of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Seminary at

Philadelphia and a Bachelor of Arts from Keene State College.

Throughout her ministry, Pastor Dee has been actively involved in synod and churchwide leadership, including

service with the ELCA Youth Gathering, Bear Creek Camp, internship supervision, and clergy leadership

development. Her community involvement has included coaching Girls on the Run, participating in Lutheran

Day at the Capitol, supporting local schools and families, and coordinating community outreach initiatives.

Pastor Dee describes her leadership style as servant leadership, grounded in listening, collaboration, authenticity, and empowering others to thrive in their callings. She is passionate about preaching, sharing Holy Communion, fostering meaningful relationships, and creating spaces where faithful and courageous conversations can take place.

As bishop, Pastor Dee hopes to help the synod navigate a changing church landscape by addressing communal grief, embracing renewal, and discerning together where God is leading the church. She believes the church is called to be an Easter people, trusting that through God's resurrection promise, new life and new possibilities continue to emerge.

Pastor Dee will succeed The Rev. Christopher deForest, who is completing his first term as bishop. We give thanks for Bishop deForest's faithful leadership and look forward to Bishop-Elect Dee's ministry as she prepares to begin serving the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod. Information regarding the installation service will be announced at a later date.