New Staffing Structure of the Virginia Synod Announced

On August 1, 2025, the Virginia Synod Office of the Bishop will begin a time of transition. Staff leadership responsibilities will change, but each staff member has been blessed by God with gifts that will be used in new and exciting ways to bring glory to God and vitality and vibrancy to the Virginia Synod.

+ On August 1, the Rev. Colleen Hetrick will begin serving as Assistant to the Bishop for Leadership Development and Digital Ministry. She will provide leadership and support for the candidacy process and the Lay Ministry Academy. Additionally, she will serve as staff support for the Tapestry Team, and will continue her direction of the digital ministries of the synod. Pastor Hetrick joined the Virginia Synod Office of the Bishop Staff in 2021 and served as the Director of Digital Ministries.

+ On August 1, the Rev. Liz Radtke will begin serving as the Director for Faith Formation, Retired Rostered Relations, and Conflict Mediation. She will provide staff support for the ministries of Power in the Spirit, Lutheran World Hunger, Retired Rostered Ministers Ministry, Augsburg and Adult Faith Formation and will continue her ministries of conflict management and mediation, EPIC Leadership Days, First Call Theological Education, and Deans Liaison.

Pastor Hetrick and Pastor Radtke were installed on Thursday, July 17 during Power in the Spirit. We ask for your prayers and your grace as we begin this new season in the life of the Virginia Synod.