On Saturday, October 4, at 2 p.m. Central, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will install the Rev. Yehiel Curry as presiding bishop. The service takes place at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis and will also be livestreamed. Bishop Curry begins his term on October 1.

This installation is historic. Bishop Curry is the first Black presiding bishop in the ELCA. Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will lead the service, with preaching by the Rev. Kevin Vandiver of Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Washington, D.C. Music will come from the National Lutheran Choir, St. Olaf College musicians, and leaders from the ELCA Metropolitan Chicago Synod. Ecumenical, interfaith, and global guests are invited to take part.

This moment is both celebration and reminder. It calls us to reflect on leadership in the church, our shared mission, and the commitments we hold together.

Why This Installation Matters

An installation is more than ceremony. It is worship centered on prayer, scripture, song, and promises. It names the call to preach, teach, and serve the whole church. For congregations near and far, the event sets the tone for how the ELCA leads, speaks publicly, and equips local ministry.

It is also a time for every congregation to pause, pray for leaders, and renew its own sense of mission.

Why the First Black Presiding Bishop Matters

The installation of the first Black presiding bishop is a milestone in our denomination. Representation matters. It shows our youth that leadership in the church includes them. It builds trust among members who have long asked to be seen and valued. It also challenges us to confront patterns that have shaped who leads and who decides.

This moment is not an end point. It is an opening for sustained work in racial justice and inclusion. We are reminded that Christian discipleship involves listening, examining policies, and making changes that reflect our baptismal promises.

Bishop Curry’s Background

Bishop Curry has served as bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod since 2019. Before that, he developed and then pastored Shekinah Chapel in Riverdale, Illinois. He brings experience in mission development, community ministry, and synod leadership.

Elected to a six-year term at the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, Bishop Curry holds a Bachelor of Arts from Lewis University and a Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. His background reflects a commitment to listening to communities, fostering collaboration, and strengthening the life of the church.

How Congregations Can Participate

Congregations can connect to this milestone in practical ways:

  • Share the service date and livestream link in worship announcements, newsletters, and social media.
  • Add prayers for Bishop Curry and the wider church during Sunday worship.
  • Host a forum on the role of the presiding bishop and why this matters for local congregations.
  • Invite youth to reflect on what they hope for in church leadership.
  • Plan a service project that shows care for neighbors and creation.

These steps help the installation become more than news. They turn it into a shared experience of prayer, learning, and action.

Questions for Conversation

Use these questions in council meetings, forums, or small groups:

  • What does leadership look like when rooted in service and humility?
  • How does representation in leadership affect trust and participation?
  • What practices can we adopt locally to support racial justice?
  • Where do we see new opportunities for outreach in our community?
  • What should we be praying for as the ELCA begins this new chapter?

Looking Ahead

The installation of Bishop Curry is a milestone in the history of the ELCA. It gathers leaders and partners, marks a new chapter in leadership, and invites us to reflect on our own role in the mission of the church.

The service begins at 2 p.m. Central on Saturday, October 4, with a livestream available through ELCA channels. We encourage everyone to take part by watching, praying, and talking together about what this moment means. May it strengthen our commitment to share the good news and serve our neighbors.