A video Introduction to the Candidate

Meet the Candidate

A brief biography and statement from the Reverend Canon Marc R. Steele.

  • Date of Birth:

    October 3, 1980


    Ordination Dates:

    Deacon: May 2018
    Priest: July 2020


    Education:

    Trinity International University, Deerfield, IL

    B.A. Summa Cum Laude, May 2017


    Post-Ordination Theological Training:
Completed advanced post-ordination studies in Anglican theology, homiletics, and pastoral leadership

  • Since September 2020, I have served as Rector of St. George’s Anglican Church in Helmetta, New Jersey. I am thankful to God that the parish has emerged from a decade of challenge into a season of renewed unity and faithful mission. My ministry emphasizes expositional preaching, congregational health, gospel-centered outreach, and ministries of mercy.

    As President of the New Life Food Pantry, an incorporated 501(c)(3) ministry of the parish, I have overseen its expansion as a vital outreach to our region. It serves both as a work of mercy and as an evangelistic bridge to the surrounding community.

    I also serve as Senior Canon for Diocesan Ministries, supporting Bishop Julian Dobbs in diocesan staff oversight and strategic initiatives. Additionally, I am the president of the Skopos Protestant Reformed Mission Society. We train and launch bold, Christ-centered Anglican leaders—lay and clergy—deeply rooted in Scripture, shaped by tradition, and equipped to preach, plant, disciple, and serve with conviction, transforming the Church for generations.

  • The oldest of eleven children and grateful son of committed Christian parents, I am joyfully married to Korleen for nearly twenty-five years, and together we are raising six children. Our household spans every life stage—from first grade to college graduates—and includes our married eldest son, his wife and beloved granddaughter, Annabele Winter. Our family life is filled with worship, service, and joyful noise. Their steadfast love and prayerful support form the quiet strength beneath my public ministry.

  • I believe the Lord is drawing me into a new season of service. Through persistent prayer, the affirmation of trusted leaders, and a sense of inward compulsion, I discern the Spirit’s leading. My established partnership with Bishop Julian is one of mutual trust and alignment. My experience in multicultural parishes, ecumenical dialogue, and diocesan leadership have prepared me to help lead with clarity, humility, and gospel conviction.

  • A bishop, according to Holy Scripture (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1; 1 Peter 5), is a pastor to pastors, a guardian of doctrine, and a visible sign of unity in the Church. His charge is to preach the Word, defend the faith, correct error, and shepherd both clergy and laity in godliness. This high calling demands humility, vigilance, and personal holiness.

  • I have successfully balanced bivocational work, parish leadership, and diocesan assignments since 2018, including during the COVID-19 crisis. Structural adjustments, empowered lay leadership, and the strong support of my parish wardens have ensured continuity and health in local ministry. My secular work is highly flexible, making episcopal travel and response to pastoral need fully viable without compromising my current duties.

  • In response to the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, I issued a biblically faithful and pastorally sensitive statement celebrating the protection of unborn life. Though this provoked internal resistance, I remained engaged, compassionate, and consistent. This moment of tension ultimately yielded increased trust, spiritual renewal, and theological clarity within the congregation.

  • I maintain a rhythm of Morning Prayer (using both the 2019 and 1662 BCP), Midday Prayer, Evening Prayer and/or Compline. Intercessory prayer for the diocese, my parish, and my family accompanies me throughout the day. When needed, especially during the school rush, I split my prayer time into early morning and mid-morning sessions. I also remain committed to devotional and theological reading, nourishing the mind alongside the soul.

  • Strengths: Disciplined in time management, articulate communicator, deeply empathetic, and able to delegate well within healthy structures.
    Weaknesses: My empathetic nature can lead to overextension, and in the past, I was slow to delegate. These have been intentionally addressed through accountability and strategic planning.

  • I anticipate a collegial and supportive relationship in service to the diocese. If elected, I am ready to assist with regular episcopal visits, ordinations, pastoral care, and church planting. I look forward to representing the diocese nationally and internationally, building on Bishop Julian’s vision and helping shepherd the flock entrusted to us.

Suffragan Bishop Election FAQ

  • Yes.  Even though the Nomination Committee has presented a single candidate, an election is still required by our Constitution and Canons.  Clergy and lay voting delegates from each congregation and mission of the diocese will cast votes. Voting will follow the rules outlined in the diocesan constitution and canons. A quorum of delegates representing at least half of the congregations and missions must be present for the election to proceed.

  • Prayer is foundational to the election process. Bishop Julian has called for all involved to seek God’s guidance in choosing a faithful servant to assist him in equipping the diocese for ministry and proclaiming the Gospel.

  • A suffragan bishop serves as an associate bishop, assisting the diocesan bishop in his episcopal ministry. Given that this is a part time position, the suffragan bishop will continue to serve in his current congregation or ministry while dedicating a portion of his time to diocesan responsibilities, serving as a trusted partner in ministry to Bishop Julian Dobbs.

  • Due to the growth of the Anglican Diocese of the Living Word and the increasing demands of ministry, the  standing committee has decided to call for the election of a suffragan bishop to assist the diocesan bishop, Julian Dobbs. This also ensures sustained care and leadership for the diocese while allowing Bishop Julian to meet additional responsibilities he has as International Envoy for the Archbishop.

  • Nominations are now open and will close at 9:00am (eastern) on March 7, 2025.  The nominating committee will then review and evaluate the nominees presenting up to two names for election. The election will occur during a special Synod on May 14-15, 2025 immediately prior to the annual Missions Conference and Synod.

  • Bishop Julian has expressed his desire for the upcoming election of the suffragan bishop to focus on nominees drawn from the next generation of leaders.  By electing the suffragan bishop from the next generation of leaders, we help cultivate leadership development that ensures the long-term vitality and relevance of our diocese. Bishop Julian was 43 years old when he was elected to serve as a suffragan bishop, and benefited from the tutelage and mentoring of older and more experienced bishops. 

  • Nominations can be submitted by clergy and lay members of the diocese and members of ACNA congregations who are familiar with the nominee's qualifications and ministry. Nominations should be submitted on the official form on this website.

  • The suffragan bishop must be an ordained male presbyter in the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) who is at least 35 years of age. Candidates must demonstrate strong theological understanding, spiritual maturity, and leadership skills. They should be rooted in their congregation and able to balance parish responsibilities with episcopal duties.  In accordance with the rules of the College of Bishops, the nominee may not be divorced or have otherwise had a marriage annulled.


    Bishop Julian has outlined specific expectations, which include consistently adhering to and proclaiming the Scriptures, partnering effectively with him as the diocesan bishop, and supporting him to guide the diocese in accomplishing the Great Commission.  The suffragan bishop will need to be a reliable collaborator who Bishop Julian can engage with closely. Additionally, as Bishop Julian's trusted advisor and associate, this individual will provide invaluable support and insight, contributing to strategic decision-making and the development of initiatives that align with the diocese's goals and Bishop Julian's vision.

  • The nominating committee will review and recommend up to two candidates for the suffragan bishop position. During the special synod, voting delegates will vote to elect one of the recommended candidate/s (there will be no nominations from the floor of the electoral synod). The elected candidate’s name will then be submitted to the ACNA College of Bishops for canonical consent.

  • Clergy and lay voting delegates from each congregation and mission of the diocese will cast votes. Voting will follow the rules outlined in the diocesan constitution and canons. A quorum of delegates representing at least half of the congregations and missions must be present for the election to proceed.

  • Visit the diocesan website at www.adlw.org for updates, timelines, and other important information. Questions can also be directed to the diocesan office (office@adlw.org).

  • The Standing Committee has appointed the following people to serve on the nominating committee:


    Ms. Nkiru Gritten

    Mr. Peter Edman

    The Rev. Tucker Messamore

    Mr. Jason Carlton - Diocesan Chancellor

    Bishop Julian Dobbs - Diocesan Bishop