The Prelate's Spotlight

1. What first called you to serve as a Prelate or Grand Prelate, and what has that office taught you about spiritual leadership?

Spiritual leadership is servant leadership. As a colleague of mine says, “Everyone loves servant leadership until it is time to serve.”

When I first served as Prelate, it was simply part of progressing through the line in my local Commandery. After serving as Commander, however, I realized that although I had helped improve the Commandery financially and increase membership, I had not significantly contributed to the spiritual growth of the Sir Knights. As a seminary professor, that realization troubled me deeply.

I began putting small plans into place to serve more intentionally and listened carefully to those who had previously attempted similar goals. During my year as Grand Commander, I wrote Bible Study for Freemasons, a work explaining many of the biblical passages used in Blue Lodge, Commandery, and other Masonic bodies. It was a way to use my gifts in an area where there was a genuine need.

That, ultimately, is the key to spiritual leadership: discovering the skills, abilities, and spiritual gifts you possess and offering them in service to others.

2. How would you explain the purpose of the Prelate’s office to a Sir Knight who sees it as only a ceremonial role?

I love language, so I often begin with the meaning of the word itself. Prelate comes from the Latin roots prae, meaning “before,” and lātus, meaning “borne” or “carried.” Religious leaders came to be called prelates because they were carried before others in religious processions.

What is often forgotten is that it was not the individual who mattered most, but what they carried: the Holy Bible.

In the Order of the Temple, for example, one of the Prelate’s most important responsibilities is reading Scripture and helping teach the lessons found within it. If that role is viewed as “only ceremonial,” then we must also ask what place the Holy Bible itself holds in the life of someone seeking membership in the Christian arm of Masonry.

3. What has been the most meaningful or formative experience you have had while serving as Prelate?

The most meaningful experiences have come from hearing brothers who had lost hope and were contemplating suicide, and then later learning that simply being present with them helped save their lives.

The only thing that has meant more was hearing from a Prelate I had trained who later gave a suicide prevention talk at a DeMolay meeting. Afterward, a young man approached him and shared that he had intended to take his own life that evening but was now reconsidering.

4. How has serving as Prelate changed the way you understand faith, service, brotherhood, and leadership?

Faith is often discussed in abstract terms. Serving as a Prelate taught me that faith must be integrated into every decision and every day of life.

Earlier in my Masonic journey, I sometimes became frustrated when significant work in Lodge or Commandery went unnoticed. Over time, I learned that service is not about recognition. Thanks belong to God.

I strive to serve my brothers both in visible ways and in ways they may never see. Leadership means leading by example without expectation of praise or reward.

5. What do you believe Sir Knights need most from their Prelate in today’s Commandery setting?

Sir Knights need someone who is genuinely present with them, even when the Prelate does not have every answer.

Simply being there for a brother can often be enough.