Rev. Dr. Randall Partin is one of the two Episcopal Candidates putting his name forth from the New Mexico Annual Conference. Over the past few weeks, they’ve been asked many questions by the various Conference Delegations in the Jurisdiction in anticipation of the SCJ Conference during which these delegations will elect three bishops.

We thought we’d ask them a few questions they may not have been asked by the other delegations in hopes of getting to know them better. Here are Randall’s responses.

Calvin & Hobbes or Winnie the Pooh & Piglet and why? This is probably the toughest question!  I love Calvin and Hobbes, but I think Winnie the Pooh is so much more thoughtful and theologically and philosophically rich.

What are your hopes for the UMC? As Bishop, how would you help lead churches and the denomination forward? When the UMC emerges from our current straits, we will have an opportunity to have greater missional and structural clarity (although it will be work to get there). I’m enthusiastic about us finding our way to that place of clarity because it will be a source and season of great renewal for our movement. We can see glimpses and glances of some of that raw material now: a renewal of the ministry of the laity, a renewed focus on social holiness issues, and a deep, deep hunger for spiritual growth and formation. It all sounds very Wesleyan, doesn’t it? Bring it on!

Mary or Martha and why? Total Martha. I admit to overcommitting and making myself “busy” at times. I’ve learned (perhaps as part of moving on to perfection) to not neglect the quiet and the devotional aspects of my life in faith, but Martha is probably my default.