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Jen Nagel
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Jen Nagel (born 1962) is a Bishop in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA). She was elected to a six-year term in 2024. She is the first lesbian to hold the title of Bishop for the Minneapolis Area Synod.[2]
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Education
Nagel attended University of St. Andrews-St. Mary’s School of Divinity from 1992-1993, and graduated from Concordia College with a bachelor's degree in religion in 1994. She then attended the University of Chicago Divinity School, where she graduated with a masters of divinity in 1998. She then attended the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and earned a certificate of studies in 1999, along with an internship at Lord of Light Lutheran Church. She would also have an internship at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor.[3]
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Ministry
Nagel first served at Salem English Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, beginning in 2003. Initially, she served as Pastoral Ministry, until her ordination in 2008, when she became a pastor. However, non-celibate members of the LGBT the ELCA were not allowed to be officially ordained until 2009. Instead, she was 'extraordinarily ordained' by Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries, until she was formally recognized by the ELCA in 2010.[4] From 2008 onwards, she continued as pastor of that church until 2015.[3]
She then served as Lead Pastor for the University Lutheran Church of Hope from 2015, until her election to bishop in May 2024. She officially assumed the position on September 21, 2024.[5] As bishop, her goals have been to strengthen the synod's ties to Lutheran churches in Nigeria and Germany.[6] In 2025, she attended the Lutheran World Federation’s Retreat of Newly Elected Leaders along with 12 other bishops in Bossey.[7] Nagel was a vocal supporter of Yehiel Curry during his election as Presiding Bishop of the ELCA in 2025.[8]
On October 15, 2025, she was elected the executive committee of the Conference of Bishops.[9]
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Personal life
Nagel is married to Rev. Jane McBride, a pastor in the United Church of Christ. They have two children.[10]
See also
References
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