The Rt. Rev. Charles Jenkins wins the award for coming up with the most down-to-earth metaphor for the job of presiding bishop.

The Bishop of Louisiana, one of seven nominees to succeed Frank Griswold, likened the job to a grain of sand in an oyster. Aside from the fact that it’s hard to fault a Gulf Coast Episcopalian for thinking about seafood, Bishop Jenkins’ analogy seems oddly on point.

That grain of sand can produce a pearl—a result that can be wonderful to behold. But the process of making that pearl can be grainy, even a little dirty.

No pearl-maker at 815 Second Avenue will have an easy go of it over the next nine years. But deputies and bishops should keep in mind that certain key traits and experiences will measurably improve the odds of success. Here are a few:

Inspirational Leadership:
We need a presiding bishop who will be energetic and inspiring in calling us together as a diverse but united community of faith. Reacting to the crisis of the day is not enough.We applaud Bishop Neil Alexander of Atlanta for urging us to be “proactive to those who are upset” and to be bold in a commitment to hold the church together.However, he is perceived by some to have flip-flopped on key issues of human sexuality—a perception that could cause problems in the Communion.Though structures in our national church may be in need of reinvention, the authority of the presiding bishop is more rooted in relationships than structures. That’s why his or her credibility and personal style of leadership are so critical.

Refocusing on Mission:
All the nominees have, quite rightly, emphasized this point. But it’s important to review the track records to see who has moved beyond talk to action.

Edwin Gulick, the bishop of Kentucky, may not be one of our most powerful speakers. But he has demonstrated the power of mission to override disagreements. In his diocese, as in others, conservative and liberal parishes have come together in the name of Katrina relief. Also, Bishop Gulick has been intentional about establishing Jubilee Centers throughout his diocese.

Broad and Deep Personal Experience:
The folks in the parish pews are still the lifeblood of our church. Rectors have a particularly valuable opportunity to connect to that part of our faith community.

The seven nominees’ resumes range from decades of parish service to none at all.

Bishops Alexander and Katharine Jefferts Schori of Nevada, in particular, lack significant service at the parish level.

However, Bishop Jefferts Schori does claim a background that demonstrates how life outside the church can be an empowering experience. A Ph.D. in oceanography, she brings a scientist’s perspective to her spiritual life. Another example is Bishop Alexander, who draws from his experiences as a former Lutheran clergyman and a seminary theologian.

Staff management will be another key challenge for the new PB. Experience in running large and complex organizations would be helpful. We note, however, that Bishops Jenkins, Jefferts Schori, Francisco Duque-Gomez of Colombia and Stacy Sauls of Lexington have presided over small dioceses that could leave them ill-prepared for the demands at 815.

Mutual Submission:
Thank God we don’t all agree on every controversial issue. What prospects would we have for spiritual growth if dogma smothered out the diversity that has enriched our church in so many ways?

In particular, we need a leader who understands the diversity of our worldwide communion—a leader who tempers passion for principle with the humility of those at the foot of the cross.

Bishop Jenkins voted against consenting to Gene Robinson’s election, and yet demonstrated loyalty to our Church and the Communion by participating in the post-Windsor presentation to the Anglican Consultative Council.

Henry Parsley, the bishop of Alabama, also voted against consenting to Gene Robinson.

Though he has been criticized by some since then for taking a hard line with critics of the Convention’s consent, we think his approach has been balanced.

Bishop Parsley understands that moderation and passion can go hand and hand. He eloquently captured the hope of many, when he told The Witness that “the middle way has led us into paths of wisdom and reconciliation and courage in the past, and can continue so to lead us in the future.”

No one person will determine the success of our efforts to live in unity with diversity. But the choice of a new presiding bishop will help set the tone for the critical years ahead.