A retired pastor in each conference has agreed to serve as a Bishop’s Chaplain in his or her conference. These chaplains will serve as an extension of the Office of the Bishop in order to assist with the pastoral care of other retired rostered leaders, spouses and the widows/widowers of former rostered leaders.

The Rev. Bishop Edward R. Benoway is the third bishop to administer the work of the Florida-Bahamas Synod. He was installed on November 18, 2001 and reelected to a second term in 2007. The Bishop is the Pastor to the Synod Community and exercises the church's power to ordain, commission and consecrate the Rostered leaders of this church. The Bishop is also responsible for strengthening the unity of the Church, exercising leadership in the mission of the church, and oversee and administer the general work of the synod and staff.

The mission of the Office of the Bishop is to shepherd and resource rostered leaders and congregations as they proclaim Christ to the world.

Contact Bishop Benoway by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 813.876.7660 ext 225.

The Rev. Edward R. Benoway was elected third Bishop of the Florida-Bahamas Synod, of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, in May 2001. He was reelected to a second term in 2007.  Born in Zanesville, Ohio, Bishop Benoway was raised and attended schools in Tampa.  He graduated from Newberry College and Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary.

“Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all people:
For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!”

[Luke 2:10-11]

Good news of great joy.

How desperately the world needs to hear and receive this good news of great joy.

There is within all people a longing and a hungering that for many goes unidentified: A need for acceptance; a longing for peace; a desire for light to shine in the darkness of their lives.

Congregations and pastors are busy anticipating and making preparations for the celebration of Christmas. The Christmas proclamation is ringing in our hearts and minds… “Unto you is born this day, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!”

There will be many among us on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day who are not regularly a part of our worshiping communities. They come perhaps at the urging of family and friends. Maybe their spirits are kindled by something deep inside that says being in church on Christmas is where they need to be. They may come with more hesitation than anticipation; more curiosity than expectation. How important it is that they hear and experience God’s gracious welcome, loving embrace, and healing Word: Unto YOU is born a savior.

In the birth of Jesus, God manifests his love for all people. The wondrous gift of a savior is good news for the world. Ours is the privilege to announce to all who join us for worship that this gift is for them. Regardless of the reasons or urgings that bring us together to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the good news of great joy is intended for all.

May we be bold to share this good news of great joy with others this Christmastide!

May God also bless each of you and your loved ones with the assurance of His love and grace and peace!

Bishop Ed Benoway

May Jesus Christ,
who rules the world
with truth and grace,
fill you with deep and holy peace
at Christmas and in the new year.

We are called to witness to his reign,
declaring that sin and sorrow
will no longer grow.
Joy to the world! Joy to you!

From all of us at Synod House - click to see our Christmas Card.