Potential Nominees for Bishop Coadjutor

Potential Nominees The election of a

Bishop

Coadjutor for the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas October 25, 2014

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The election of a Bishop Coadjutor for the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas Saturday, October 25, 2014

Potential Nominee Profiles Table of Contents

The Rev. Scott Brown........................................................................... 5 The Rev. Ram Lopez............................................................................. 9 The Rev. Jim Nelson............................................................................. 13 The Rev. David Read............................................................................ 17 The Rt. Rev. David M. Reed................................................................ 23 The Rev. Robert Woody....................................................................... 29

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The Rev. Scott Brown Biographical Data Name: Scott J. Brown Date of birth:

May 10, 1975

Place of birth:

Houston, Texas

Name of spouse:

Kimberly Ann Brown

Names/ages of children: Parker (11), Christopher (9), and soon-to-be Angeline (4) College and degree(s): University of Houston-Victoria, B.S. Communication (1999) Seminary and degree(s): University of the South, M.Div. (2002)

Other education experiences: “Integral Leadership Program” graduate, Stagen Leadership Academy Vocational/professional experience other than ordination: • • • •

Facilitator/Adjunct Faculty, Stagen Leadership Academy Author, Just Where Does God Live? (2009), The Gift of You (2012) High school teacher and coach, St. Joseph, Victoria, Texas Director of Christian Education, St. Francis, Victoria, Texas

Experience in the ordained ministry: • • •

Assistant Rector, St. David’s, San Antonio, 2002-2004 Chaplain, TMI - The Episcopal School of Texas, 2004-2007 Rector, St. Alban’s, Harlingen, 2007-present

National, provincial, and diocesan and community activities: • • • • • • • •

Chair, Young Life Harlingen Chair, Frontera Unida Executive Board of the Diocese of West Texas Standing Committee of the Diocese of West Texas Camp Capers Dean Father-Son Retreat at Camp Capers leader Clergy Conference presenter Clergy Leadership Program facilitator

What do you do for recreation?

Hang out with my family, play golf, relax on South Padre Island, laugh with my friends, root for the San Antonio Spurs

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The Rev. Scott Brown How does your life reflect the life and teachings of Jesus?

It won’t take me 250 words to tell you how my life reflects the life of Jesus. It will only take 2. “It doesn’t.” I am a broken man who falls short of the life that God has in store for me on a daily basis while my Savior Jesus was a perfect man who flawlessly fulfilled God’s plan for his life on this earth.

While the essence of our lives are nothing alike, Jesus and I do share some similarities. Like my Savior, I love people and feed off of relationships. I am at my best when I am with others. Like Jesus, community is everything to me and relationships are what makes me who I am. Like our Lord, I am madly in love with my children and often see more for them than they see for themselves. I know that I fail to live the life that Jesus lived. Yet I also know, through his teachings, that my broken life, because of his perfect life, has been redeemed. And that’s a message that both fills my heart with joy and inspires me to share Jesus’ life and teachings with the world.

How are you intentional in your study of Scripture, your prayers, and your worship?

As a priest and a pastor, I am called to be a vehicle of God’s love and an instrument of God’s grace. Left to myself, that is an impossible task. If I don’t feed myself first, I will have nothing fruitful to offer others. I am keenly aware of my need for God’s presence in my day to day life. Frankly, I’m too busy NOT to pray.

I am sustained by my weekly Wednesday time block, set aside to read and study Scripture as I prayerfully seek the places where the Living Word of God intersects my daily life. In that intersection, the Scriptures offer me deep opportunities for transformation and growth. I am also formed by writing, as I use weekly journaling as a way to listen and respond to God’s still, small voice. Music is a gift to me and I listen to it daily as a way to worship. Praise and Worship Chapel with the children in our Day School fills me with joy.

I am not a master at study, prayer, or worship. I fall short of the high expectations I set for myself. And when I am anxious and afraid, when I hear myself complaining more than creating, I realize that my life is telling me that I have neglected my spiritual disciplines. By intentionally returning to study, prayer, and worship, my heart is filled once again, and my life is rich and “out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth will speak.”

How do you proclaim by word and example God’s saving love revealed in Jesus Christ?

One of my favorite Bible stories is the man born blind in John’s Gospel (chapter 9). As the Pharisees, the disciples, and even the parents of the blind man try and figure out whose sin caused this man’s blindness, it’s the man himself who speaks the simple truth about God’s saving love revealed in Jesus Christ. “One thing I do know. I was blind and now I see.”

Because of my Savior, I am redeemed, and by His grace I can see the world through the lens of my own redemption.

Though I fall short often, I seek to proclaim that my story is the same as the blind man’s. I was broken and am now, because of my Savior, made whole. The story of my own redemption is one that only I can tell. If I choose not to tell it, it won’t be told. So with a passion that comes from having been broken and made whole, I proudly proclaim that I was lost and now am found. I was blind and now I see.

When I fail to offer the world around me the saving love and forgiveness that has been given to me, I humbly say “I’m sorry God.” And every time I ask for forgiveness, I find the wide open arms of my Savior Jesus, welcoming me home and opening my eyes to another chance to share my story of His redeeming love with the world.

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The Rev. Scott Brown In what ways do you participate in reaching out to serve people in your community and throughout the world?

I have been blessed to be a part of some wonderful and intentional opportunities to reach out in service to my community and to the world. As Chair of “Frontera Unida”, serving alongside the Rio Grande Valley and Northern Mexico Episcopal clergy and congregations as we seek to create fruitful and sustainable ministry is exciting to me.

The community of St. Alban’s leads and runs the Harlingen Neighborhood Food Pantry which feeds over 200 families a week and simultaneously feeds my soul. A recent mission trip with my wife to Haiti, along with several San Antonio area churches, not only reignited my love for World Missions, it also marked the beginning of the process to adopt our beautiful future daughter, Angeline.

Each of these opportunities to give back to others has blessed me infinitely more than those I’ve been blessed to serve.

Author and Philosopher Howard Thurman said, “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Helping people find the place that makes them come alive, is what makes me come alive. Serving others, out of the overflow of a heart that is full of gratitude is where life is found. When we find that place where we love to give back we realize that Jesus’ sending forth of his disciples through the Great Commission was not only to bring God’s love to the world, but to bless those who delivered it!

What specifically do you do to foster a reconciled relationship with God and all people?

My favorite part of being a priest is serving communion. It’s not the reading of the Eucharistic prayers or the incredible honor it is to say the words that Jesus instituted on the night before he died, but the actual part where I place the Body of Christ into the hands of those kneeling at the foot of the cross. That sacramental act of placing a sign of God’s perfect gift into the hands of God’s broken children is the most powerful part of my ministry. In that moment we are at our absolute best.

Those who receive the gift are kneeling and quiet, humble and open as they reach out their hands and make a throne on which the Body of Christ, our King is placed. And by God’s grace I, too, am at my best as I see the community to whom I distribute the Body of Christ through the lens in which Christ sees them and I love them, not through my own flawed love, but through Christ’s perfect love. In that sacred moment, I love them just as they are, the way Jesus loves them, without judgement. By participating in the reconciled relationship between Christ and his Church, I am deeply reconciled myself and I get a snapshot of the reconciled life God calls us to live. My broken hands play a small part in God’s redemption and restoration in the world. What an honor! What an unbelievably humbling gift!

Describe:

A. Your theology of leadership

B. Your strengths as a leader

C. Your strengths in administration A) Leadership is being the change you seek from the inside out. Jesus was an effective leader, not because he told his followers how to live, but because he modeled that life for them. One of the gifts Jesus had as a leader was his passion for the idea of developing others to be leaders too. I share that passion.

B) Helping others find the place that makes them come alive is one of my greatest strengths. While I was born to lead, I excel as a leader by bringing people together to collaborate and grow as a community. I love building great teams, and multiple perspectives gives a community the best chance to thrive. I seek inclusion over exclusion and choose to lead through consent and connectedness rather than power and control.

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The Rev. Scott Brown C) As an administrator I am not afraid to make tough decisions. I see challenges and opportunities where some may see issues or problems. I am a visionary leader who can see the big picture, yet I am extremely strategic and focused on the details needed to reach that vision. While I often challenge and motivate others, my love for people and my desire to learn from them calls me to slow down and coach them without pushing too hard or too fast. I was put on this earth to love people as they are, to lead them where they cannot go alone, and to learn from them along the way.

What are the primary challenges that you see facing the Episcopal Church today and how would you lead the Diocese through those challenges?

We are an aging church. Most congregations aren’t exploding with young people. Sports complexes are packed on Sunday mornings while church parking lots are often empty. The average Sunday attendance in our diocese has declined by 18.5 percent from 2002 to 2012. Spending Sunday morning in a church is no longer a cultural priority. The greatest challenge facing the Church today is the perception of irrelevancy. The message Christ calls us to share with the world is just as life changing as it was 2,000 years ago.

Yet, a large portion of our culture is unaware of the power of this message, or perhaps far worse, apathetic. Opening the doors and hoping people will join us for worship does not work anymore. The Church needs to leave the building to create and foster relationships with the world outside her doors. Rekindling the gift of God in our communities will take new ways of thinking. I am blessed to be a part of a network of Leadership Coaches and Consultants who have decades of experience helping organizations reach their communities.

Whether as Rector of St. Alban’s or Bishop of the Diocese, I want to collaborate with clergy and lay leaders to be a part of conversations that challenge and equip us to share Christ’s changeless message of love with the world. Often our greatest growth occurs as a response to our greatest challenges. I look forward to being a part of a new season of spiritual and numerical growth in our diocese.

Where have you had to grow so that the Church could grow?

In my first four years as Rector at St. Alban’s our community grew by over 35 percent. Whatever small part I played in that growth was due in large part to my charisma and energy, not my leadership and wisdom. I knew this was unsustainable. I needed help and more importantly, I asked for it. I was introduced to a 52-week practice-oriented leadership program designed to hold a mirror in front of me as I stood face to face with my gaps as a leader. Where were my espoused values not in line with my actual behavior? Where was I relying on my God given strengths while ignoring my gaps as a leader? This journey to self discovery was painful at times. Shining a light on my weaknesses as a leader is not easy.

Today, St. Alban’s continues to grow. I am blessed to serve, not as the shining star of the community, but as the Head Coach of a fantastic team of capable leaders. The growth we now experience is sustainable. We are a collaborative community with diverse theological opinions who share a united desire to serve our Risen Lord and share his message with the world. My charisma and energy, along with my new tools and hard-learned-lessons, continue to shape me. I am intimately connected to the community I serve. As I grow, so will they. I have much to learn as a leader and look forward to a lifetime of challenging and rewarding growth.

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The Rev. Ram Lopez Biographical Data Name: Ramiro Eduardo Lopez, Jr. (Ram) Date of birth:

February 21, 1964

Place of birth:

Corpus Christi, Texas

Name of spouse:

Kendra Morgan Lopez

Names/ages of children:

Christopher (18), John Michael (15)

College and degree(s): Texas State University, B.A. History (1988) Seminary and degree(s): University of the South, M.Div. (1995)

Other education experiences: University of the South School of Theology, currently enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry program Vocational/professional experience other than ordination: • •

Academic Advisor, Del Mar College, Corpus Christi, Texas Service Dept., Chuck Nash Chevrolet, San Marcos, Texas

Experience in the ordained ministry: • • • •

Assistant Rector, St. Alban’s, Harlingen, 1995-1998 Assistant Rector, St. John’s, McAllen, 1998-2002 Church Planter / Vicar, St. Peter and St. Paul, Mission, 1998-2003 Assistant Rector / Rector, St. George, San Antonio, 2004-present

National, provincial, and diocesan and community activities: • • • • • • •

Deputy / Alternate to General Convention Standing Committee of the Diocese of West Texas Executive Board of the Diocese of West Texas Camps and Conferences in the Diocese of West Texas Board of Trustees, TMI - The Episcopal School of Texas Recovery Ministries Board of Trustees - the University of the South

What do you do for recreation?

Walking around our family ranch, hunting, fishing, spending time with my family, watching football (especially TMI), cheering for the San Antonio Spurs

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The Rev. Ram Lopez How does your life reflect the life and teachings of Jesus?

“Work in progress.” This phrase best describes how my life reflects the life and teachings of Jesus. I believe deeply that God is actively transforming each of us daily. I am a work in progress. I continually reflect on the life Jesus lived and work to see through his eyes the people and world around me.

The Serenity Prayer has a line which is not often spoken: “...taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it...” This has shaped me in profound ways. I am continually learning to set aside all my own expectations of how things ought to be and to look for God’s activity in the world around me in order to join in that work.

As a person who is active in the recovery community, I am able to encounter many different people who have experienced being broken at many levels of their lives. Many of them have resentments against the Church. I live my recovery and my life in ways that reflect Jesus’ love and mercy. When the opportunity presents, I share a teaching of Jesus with people in ways that would strengthen their recovery. I do not do this perfectly - as I wrote, I am a work in progress - but I am always aware of my baptismal call to “proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.” (Book of Common Prayer, pg. 305)

How are you intentional in your study of Scripture, your prayers, and your worship?

I have learned through my doctor of ministry studies at Sewanee that “study is prayer.” This awareness has transformed my understanding of planning and preparing for leading the liturgy and for preaching. I recognize these weekly duties as practices that play an active role in my spiritual formation.

In approaching this planning and preparation, I begin with an awareness that God’s Spirit is already active in the hearts and minds of the worshipping community - including me. I ponder daily what the Spirit of God wants to do at St. George. This helps me to see the Spirit’s activity in and around me which in turn shapes my ministry. All of this culminates with a joyful worship experience for me, even as I lead and preach on a Sunday morning.

Other intentional spiritual practices include a time of prayer when I awake, reading various devotionals, reading the daily office, arriving at the office early to reflect and pray in the early morning quiet, and spending quiet time away at our family ranch or at the beach. I do not do all these practices at the same time. But they are all a part of my “spiritual toolkit,” as the Big Book of AA puts it, and I have found that varying my practices from time to time is helpful.

How do you proclaim by word and example God’s saving love revealed in Jesus Christ?

I offered a glimpse in one of the ways that I proclaim by word and example God’s saving love revealed in Jesus Christ in question one. Another way I do this is by participation in our day school’s morning worship. During this time we use an abbreviated form of Morning Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer and have short readings from the Bible which are thematically driven. St. George Episcopal School, like all Episcopal Schools, is open to students of all religious backgrounds, and we are blessed by their presence and celebrate it. We also have our share of those who have no church affiliation but recognize the role faith can play in their student’s lives.

It has been my sacred task to preach many a sermon to our students and often their parents. Each day there are four distinct worshipping congregations: four and five year olds, first through fifth grade, middle school and staff, faculty and a few parents. Preaching and leading worship among this diverse age group amidst all the diversity of students and adults can often be daunting. However, I have made it clear for many years that we will claim our Christian faith and Episcopalian ways of living out that faith in our chapel while still remaining respectful and non-proselytizing. The opportunity to walk alongside students and their parents and teachers is a gift from God that blesses me even as I serve among them.

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The Rev. Ram Lopez In what ways do you participate in reaching out to serve people in your community and throughout the world?

One of the great joys of serving at St. George is the way this community is into serving our community and the world. We provided support to the drilling of water wells in Honduras and locally to Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM). In succeeding years, St. George has partnered with a local public school to provide backpacks and school supplies to severely underprivileged students; through the efforts of our school, we built a school in Haiti; provided space to a large number of recovery support groups; and have seen a growing number of individual and small group mission efforts in the San Antonio area.

What is important to note is that I did not create any of these efforts. My role has been to tell that story of mission both locally and abroad and to not let worshippers forget that as followers of Jesus Christ we are called to serve the world in his name. While I have participated personally in some local outreach endeavors and mission trips to the Texas-Mexican border, the timing has not been right for me to go on an international trip. It is my hope to visit Haiti and see the school built by the gifts of the St. George community. In the meantime, I feel called to continue to preach mission as a response to God’s grace given to us, to give towards mission work at home and abroad and something in which each member of Christ’s body can participate in one way or another.

What specifically do you do to foster a reconciled relationship with God and all people?

One of the true gifts of the program of recovery is the use of daily personal inventories. As I have grown in my use of this particular gift I can see clearly what stands in the way of a deeper relationship with God and with others. This process of reflection and confession has opened to me a willingness to become more open to those who are of a different theological persuasion than me. In removing the obstacles to relationship I have become more able to listen more openly to others.

Last fall a number of us from St. George participated with other congregations in a listening process centered on the blessing of same-sex unions. I found the conversation to be a time of encountering the Spirit of God among us in spite of our theological differences. I experienced the power of active listening and engagement in bridging the divides between us. I found the same to be true as I participated in the “Reclaiming the Gospel of Peace” Conference in Oklahoma City earlier this year. The active listening and engagement helped me find common ground in understanding how we as a Church can work toward peace with others whose political and theological beliefs of owning firearms is different than my own. This practice of daily reflection, confession, active listening and engaging with others who are different than me are how I work to foster a reconciled relationship with God and others.

Describe:

A. Your theology of leadership

B. Your strengths as a leader

C. Your strengths in administration A) Leadership is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that St. Paul lists. Leadership is a sacred trust. It is a calling that is to be exercised and stretched through learning new skills so it does not stagnate. Leadership is casting forward vision, walking and working alongside others on the journey forward, and encouraging those who are lagging behind. Leadership is most effective when it is based on following Jesus.

B) One of my strengths as a leader is building partnerships. St. George, with as diverse a population as it has among the school and church families, is a vibrant place because we have committed to building partnerships. I have witnessed the transformational power of building relationships and consensus at St. George. From our recent building campaign to our joint efforts for our school supplies drive earlier this year, the partnership we have is changing lives.

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The Rev. Ram Lopez C) One of my strengths in administration is acknowledging my weaknesses. I have learned to find staff members who bring complementary gifts to the congregation. While this can often lead to lively staff meetings, I find that the creative energy of the back and forth among all of us as colleagues produces innovative ministry.

What are the primary challenges that you see facing the Episcopal Church today and how would you lead the Diocese through those challenges?

The primary challenge of the Episcopal Church today is developing biblically and theologically reflective leadership. We need to equip new leaders across all orders of ministry - laity, bishops, priests, and deacons. We need leaders who are deeply formed by their experience of worship and a vibrant study of the Bible. We need leaders who have been transformed by their participation in local and global mission and ministry. We need leaders who have had life-long exposure to the Scriptures and have had chances to learn to think and reflect theologically.

I would lead through this challenge by finding ways to strengthen and encourage life-long spiritual formation at the local level. That would mean, in some cases, congregations creating learning partnerships. It would mean continuing to invest in our camps and conferences programs, which form so many of our young people for future leadership. It would mean helping clergy access theologically-based continuing education opportunities. Addressing this challenge will be a long-term process of changing the current culture of the Church.

I see this as the primary challenge because some of our conversations about hot-button issues, such as human sexuality or what to do about the epidemic of violence in our culture, need to be rooted more deeply in a theological and biblical context. Conflict has always been a part of the Christian faith. But it is important for our witness to Christ Jesus how we undertake our discussion of controversial topics and honor the Christ in our discussion partners.

Where have you had to grow so that the Church could grow?

The area of growth for me since I have been at St. George is recognizing that I can share duties of ministry. As a church planter in Mission it was always tempting to try to do as much work as I could do. A faithful member of the “mission in Mission” and a good friend said to me one day as I was juggling a variety of duties, “You do only the things you can do. Let us do the rest.” This still resonates for me.

As the complexity of ministry has grown here at St. George, I have learned that it is perfectly acceptable to ask for and receive help. I have learned to let go of multitasking. I have learned to invest my energy in where God is working in a particular moment in time. This is easier when I let others exercise their passion for ministry.

It is addition by subtraction: the more I allow others to share the ministry load, the greater our faith and community grows.

I find that I am not diminished by sharing the ministry load. Rather, I am more greatly fulfilled in my work and in my life.

In other words, I have grown in my ability to “let go and let God.” I do not do this perfectly. But I am aware of how much stronger the Body of Christ is when each member offers the gifts that God has provided them to offer for the sake of the whole.

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The Rev. Jim Nelson Biographical Data Name: Jim Nelson Date of birth:

October 6, 1949

Place of birth:

Woodward, Oklahoma

Name of spouse:

Linda R. Nelson

Names/ages of children:

Tricia A. Woodliff (39)

College and degree(s):

Oklahoma State University, B.A. (1971)

Seminary and degree(s): Virginia Theological Seminary, M.Div. (1989)

Other education experiences: Naval Courses in Security and Confidentiality Course work in Accounting, Phillips University, Enid, Oklahoma Vocational/professional experience other than ordination: • • • •

Broadcaster, two years, United States Navy Four years in the Security Group Restaurant ownership and management for six years Automobile dealership management for five years

Experience in the ordained ministry: • • •

Curate / Rector Church of the Resurrection, Oklahoma City (Diocese of Oklahoma), 1989-2000 Rector, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Friendswood, Texas (Diocese of Texas), 2000-2011 Rector, St. John’s, McAllen, Texas (Diocese of West Texas), 2011-present

National, provincial, and diocesan and community activities: • • • • • • • •

Regional Dean (Dioceses of West Texas and Texas) Deputy to Provincial Synod (Diocese of Oklahoma) Executive Board (Dioceses of West Texas and Texas) Bishop Quinn Foundation Board (Diocese of Texas) Discernment Committee in the Diocese of West Texas Priest Mentor in the Diocese of West Texas Board member of Good Samaritan Community Services (Diocese of West Texas) Phoenix Counseling Center board member (Diocese of Oklahoma)

What do you do for recreation?

I have enjoyed quite a number of hobbies over the years, but most recently, I enjoy sailing, and I am a struggling but ever-hopeful avid golfer.

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The Rev. Jim Nelson How does your life reflect the life and teachings of Jesus?

What a humbling question. My relationship with Jesus is one of gratitude. I am so thankful for His life and guidance in His teachings, and I pray that out of this gratitude I reflect His love. I find joy in leading others deeper in their relationship with God. I believe that everything in life is designed to teach us about our relationship with God, if we have eyes to see and ears to hear. To me, it’s obvious that Jesus believed this as well. I find joy in leading others to understand this basic concept.

Though my reflection of Jesus in this is often difficult for others to recognize, I pray that others might see Him through His love reflected dimly in me as I seek to live out this understanding.

How are you intentional in your study of Scripture, your prayers, and your worship?

I think that when God called me to ordained ministry He did so as much out of pity for me as much as for any other reason. He knew my lack of discipline, and so he gave me a vocation whereby I would turn to Scripture for guidance daily.

God charged me with leadership and the subsequent anxiety of the overwhelming nature of that charge which would drive me daily to seek His direction for my life through daily prayer both organized and in personal conversations with Him. Of course, as a priest and a rector, I’m called to lead worship. But, worshipping our creator is where I’m fed, and just like I relish the idea of a good meal, I look forward with joy to opportunities for worship.

How do you proclaim by word and example God’s saving love revealed in Jesus Christ?

Tony Campolo wrote “The Kingdom of God is a Party.” I believe that God’s plan for humanity is death > life > party. The sooner we die to self and live for God, the sooner we join in the joy. God wants joy (not necessarily happiness which depends upon happenstance) for all of us. No greater proclamation of God’s saving love in Christ is there than joyful Christians. Not only should people say, “Look at those Christians how they love one another” but also, “Look at those Christians how joyful they are!” I find joy in Jesus as my savior, and I pray that my words and everyday demeanor serve as an example of that joy to others. As a priest in the Church my greatest joy is the realization that, for whatever reason, I’ve been called to visibly be God’s “stand in” and speak on His behalf to others.

In what ways do you participate in reaching out to serve people in your community and throughout the world?

When asked where we are supposed to get food to feed these people, Jesus told his disciples “You feed them.” If you wear the title Christian you serve Christ’s children. This is the difference between a chapel and a church. The residents of a chapel seek to be fed; the members of a church also seek to feed. I want to be a church member and engage in the joy of feeding others.

As a priest and rector I cannot use “I” in answering this question. It’s always “we”, I’m never alone. We feed the hungry monthly through a food pantry in which we both provide a meal for 350 people and give out boxes of food as well. We participate in Good Samaritan Community Services to give underprivileged young people hope through opportunities to increase knowledge, service, and self-esteem in their lives. We have yearly (with some exceptions) traveled to Central America on both medical and construction missionary opportunities. We have engaged in the Texas Border flood of people coming across the border by providing hygiene, food, backpacks, and other items along with volunteering in the durable crisis. We participate in Open Table, a program to raise people from poverty and perhaps homelessness to a fulfilling selfsustaining life.

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The Rev. Jim Nelson What specifically do you do to foster a reconciled relationship with God and all people?

I think that what I do more than anything is to strive to keep the main thing the main thing. When a person or community places great priority on the Great Commission and simply goes into the world and makes disciples, secondary issues are far less fracturing. Every relationship with God begins with reconciliation.

As we know, God is continually at work reconciling the world to Himself. I do my best, as a priest and rector, to foster reconciliation through a healthy parish environment. I strive to offer a place of sanctuary for equipping others to deal with the issues of life in an atmosphere of love, security, and support. I find sanctuary in Jesus. What I am trying to say is simple; every Christian should be a walking base in the game of tag called “life.” In tag there are chasers, chasees, and a base. We’ve all been chasers, busily chasing the things of life like money, youth, etc. We’ve all been chasees, being chased by fear and anxiety. When a person is in touch with the base they know they are safe. They know as well, however, that they cannot simply escape to that base but must reenter the fray after being equipped and reinvigorated. Once we have embraced God’s desire for us to be reconciled, we are called to be an agent of that reconciliation in the everyday.

Describe:

A. Your theology of leadership

B. Your strengths as a leader

C. Your strengths in administration Leadership has been for me a team understanding. Even Christ led with a team and expressed the model of Church as a body with each member doing his/her part. The model for leadership might be that which is found in our worship, a team under God’s direction with each minister doing her or his unique and necessary part with authority and responsibility but with the celebrant leading forward.

As we point toward and seek to live into God’s vision for us, it must be towards a commonly held future. God has provided each individual, each parish community, and each diocese a unique vision of who we are. The bishop, as leader, is both the keeper of and passionate promoter of God’s vision. My strength as a leader and my strength in administration is I believe, very much the same; I know who I am and who I am not. This might be a gift of age and experience. I’ve succeeded and I’ve failed and over the course of time, and hopefully, I’ve learned why. I am a big-picture person and maybe even a visionary, but I am not a person given to “detail.” And because I’m aware of this, I surround myself with people who are tuned into detail. I need people to fill in my gaps, and I’m thankful for the ones that say to me, “Yes, but did you think about….”

What are the primary challenges that you see facing the Episcopal Church today and how would you lead the Diocese through those challenges?

I think the primary challenge facing the Episcopal Church today is trusting in the Resurrection. This isn’t a phrase that I coined but having heard it from an unknown source, I wonder if it’s not true. Think about it. Can you imagine what you would do if you KNEW, really knew, that you could not fail! The adventures we would have!

So, if we have a clear understanding of God’s vision for us and we don’t move towards it, it means that, at least to some extent, we do not trust God. I know this, that if we believe we are doing something on behalf of God, as soon as we begin to follow that understanding we have, in that moment, succeeded. Secondarily, the Episcopal Church needs to remember the primary thing is to go into the world and make disciples. The primary thing isn’t to get caught up in secondary issues, as worthy as they may be. When we allow secondary issues (whatever they may be) to become primary, they are 100 percent of the time, divisive. And when the Church is divided, Satan laughs because even in our passion over what may be a worthy issue, we have turned away from the Great Commission. I’m aware that the challenge in what I’ve said is dealing effectively, faithfully, and prayerfully about those secondary issues. They simply cannot take center stage.

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The Rev. Jim Nelson Where have you had to grow so that the Church could grow?

It all has to do with relationship. I’ve had to grow spiritually in relationship with Christ so that I could lead more deeply into a relationship that I better understood. I’ve had to grow in self-knowledge so that I wouldn’t be my own worst enemy in terms of growth of the Church. I had to let go of the hidden agenda that it’s all about me. I’m still growing (I pray) in this way. In that same regard I’ve had to grow in understanding of who I’m not so that I could supply what is needed, in terms of leadership, outside of me. And I’ve had to grow in comfort with myself. I’ve had to grow in knowledge of visionary leadership. And I have had to constantly grow in terms of where the church is now and what has got us to this point.

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The Rev. David Glenn Read Biographical Data Name: David Glenn Read Date of birth:

May 18, 1965

Place of birth:

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Name of spouse:

Jacqueline C. Read (Jacqui)

Names/ages of children:

Amy Grace (20), William Aidan (17)

College and degree(s):

Texas State University, B.A. (1988)

Seminary and degree(s): Virginia Theological Seminary, M.Div. (1992)

Other education experiences: Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, studies toward a D. Min. in Congregational Development Vocational/professional experience other than ordination: • • •

Veterinary Technician College Peer Minister Restaurant dishwasher and busboy

Experience in the ordained ministry: • • • •

Rector, St. Paul’s, Brady, Texas, and Vicar, Good Shepherd, Eden, Texas, 1992-1995 Rector, St. Francis, Victoria, Texas, 1995-1998 Rector, St. Helena’s, Boerne, Texas, 1998-2009 Rector, St. Luke’s, San Antonio, Texas, 2009-present

National, provincial, and diocesan and community activities: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Deputy to General Convention 5 times, Alternate 1 time Member of the Legislative Committee on Ministry at General Convention Member of the Committee on Dispatch of Business for General Convention Development Committee of the Diocese of West Texas Standing Committee of the Diocese of West Texas Secretary of the Diocese Trustee, Episcopal Church Corporation in West Texas Executive Board of the Diocese of West Texas Chair, Department of Camps and Conferences Dean and chaplain at Camp Capers and Mustang Island Family Camp Spiritual Director for Cursillo, Happening and Vocare Dean, Central and Eastern Convocations Department of Congregational Development - Transitional Congregations Committee Continued on page 18.

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The Rev. David Glenn Read Biographical data continued from page 17.

(National, provincial, and diocesan and community activities, continued) • •

Department of Stewardship - Capital Campaigns Committee Gathering of Leaders - presenter, chaplain, preacher, and theologian

What do you do for recreation?

Exercise at the YMCA; watch baseball; fish, travel, and garden

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The Rev. David Glenn Read How does your life reflect the life and teachings of Jesus?

At my baptism, confirmation, and ordinations, I vowed to follow Jesus Christ. I take these vows seriously. Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is the core of my identity. Throughout my ordained ministry, I have begun each Sunday morning in prayer at the altar, long before anyone else arrives at church. In addition to praying for my family and congregation, each Sunday I intentionally recommit myself to follow Jesus Christ, and ask for the strength and guidance to do so. That private prayer time at the altar each Sunday helps me tap into the riches of God’s grace as I carry out ministry throughout the week.

Though I will always fall short of perfectly reflecting the life and teachings of Jesus, I know I can only reflect Christ if I am in a vibrant relationship with Christ.

I love to preach the Gospel, and work to deliver sermons that help listeners apply Jesus’ teaching to their daily lives. I am blessed to serve a congregation with a large school, which regularly allows me to tell children how much God loves them.

I enjoy teaching, especially studies of Scripture. I lead classes throughout the year.

I am intentional about serving the poor, and lead my congregation to put their faith into action outside our walls. I am an optimistic person. I am optimistic because I have experienced the power of God who raises the dead, transforms lives, and heals the broken. I am optimistic about the future of The Episcopal Church.

How are you intentional in your study of Scripture, your prayers, and in your worship?

Scripture is my daily bread. I try to begin each day with my coffee, Bible, and calendar. I study the lessons for the day, and read Forward Day by Day. I journal regularly. Journaling helps me reflect on how the Spirit, moving through a passage of Scripture, is illuminating something in my life and ministry. I pray my way through the items on my daily calendar, asking God to give me wisdom, grace, and the mind of Christ today.

I keep a prayer list in my pocket next to my heart. I try to be an intentional intercessor. When someone asks me to pray for them, I add their name to the list, and lift them up to God in my prayers.

Each Thursday at 7:00 a.m. there is a celebration of the Holy Eucharist at St. Luke’s Church. I regularly attend this service when I am not the celebrant. This allows me to worship when I am not leading. It is a joy to sit in a pew with faithful people, worship the Lord, and be fed by the sacrament.

I bolster my prayer life by reading from the lives of saints, works by Henri Nouwen and others, and chapters from The Rule of the Society of St. John the Evangelist.

“You cannot teach what you do not know; cannot lead where you do not go; cannot give what you do not have.” That saying sits on my desk. It reminds me of the importance of prayer and Bible study in my life.

How do you proclaim by word and example God’s saving love revealed in Jesus Christ?

Throughout my ministry in West Texas, the chief venue for proclaiming God’s saving love has been in parish ministry. It is a great privilege to preach the Good News of God’s love, and to celebrate the sacraments of the new covenant several times each week. I love ordained ministry. I cannot imagine doing anything more richly rewarding or more challenging.

I have a passion for helping children know how much God truly loves them. I want them to feel fully welcome in God’s house and at God’s table. That passion has drawn me to serve with joy at Camp Capers and Mustang Island Family Camps for years. It has also led me to create worship services which are user-friendly to children, youth, and families.

I have a passion for ministry with college students. I am an active Christian today because of college ministry in this diocese. Jacqui and I frequently feed students in our home, and support Vocare and college retreats because they made a difference in our lives.

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The Rev. David Glenn Read I have a passion for ministering to those who are new to the Christian Faith, or who have been away from church for years.

I strive to proclaim God’s love in ways that unchurched people can experience it. I have worked hard to lead congregations to reach out to those who do not have a church home, and incorporate them into new life in Christ. It is incredibly rewarding to see Christ transforming lives both inside and outside the congregation.

In what ways do you participate in reaching out to serve people in your community and throughout the world?

Engaging in service to those outside the walls of our church building is transforming work. Mission and service transforms the lives of those who receive it, but it also powerfully transforms the hearts of individuals and congregations who perform it. This ministry is life-changing because it is what Jesus calls us to do.

I find world mission ministry fulfilling. I have served on and led many teams. Together we have built homes in Northern Mexico and ministered to orphans in Haiti. I have also had the privilege of preaching the Gospel and leading Vacation Bible School in Uganda. Those experiences were transforming and spiritually energizing for me, and for the congregations I served, as Christ worked in and through us.

I have worked hard to help congregations I serve shift our attention from minor inner problems to great external opportunities. With lots of help from various members of our church and school, we have created opportunities for parishioners to put their faith into action. From building Habitat houses, to food drives, to feeding Thanksgiving dinner to the homeless on the streets of San Antonio, we have worked hard to practice Jesus’ mandate to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, invite neighbors, and share resources.

I have found that mission and outreach are great opportunities for multiple congregations, of varying shapes and sizes, to collaborate on something none of us could do well alone. Most teams I have led have been composed of faithful people from multiple congregations and denominations.

What specifically do you do to foster a reconciled relationship with God and all people?

Reconciliation is at the heart of the Gospel. I make my personal confession very regularly. I use the Litany of Penitence from the Ash Wednesday liturgy to guide my self-reflection and confession. This year Jacqui and I celebrated the 23rd anniversary of our marriage. Marriage has taught me a lot about grace, mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation. We do our best not to let the sun go down on our anger.

I have introduced the consensus-building process at vestry meetings and in other settings in several parishes. The process of consensus-building allows everyone to be heard, values each person, and allows much more room for the Holy Spirit to work and be heard. This process has created a living example of reconciliation for the parish.

I believe Jesus’ teaching found in Matthew 18:15-20 is an incredibly practical model for congregations and individual Christians. The vestry and I have adopted this teaching, and lifted it up to our congregation, as a model for reconciliation in a Christian community. It takes much courage to practice it. However, applying it in even small ways makes the whole congregation healthier.

I am privileged to serve a large church, with a large school, who share facilities, personnel, and resources. The experience has taught me that unity requires intentional effort on a weekly basis. The human temptations toward competition and territorialism can be overcome by a commitment to a shared common vision, good communication, and reconciliation. The work of reconciliation is worth the effort.

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The Rev. David Glenn Read Describe:

A. Your theology of leadership

B. Your strengths as a leader

C. Your strengths in administration People need a sense of direction, and a direction that makes sense. One role of leaders is to hold up a compelling vision of the future. Christian leaders develop vision through discernment, asking God, “What are you calling us to do and be in this part of your Kingdom?” Vision is refined by listening to the Christian community, and hearing where God is already moving. The bishop must love people and congregations where they are, and remind them God is calling them to be more than they are by holding up that vision.

Episcopal bishops and parish priests have authority, but little power. We do not have power to give many orders or mandates. The power to lead comes from being in trusting relationships with clergy and people. Developing deep relationships gives clergy leadership capital.

I am a “big picture” person. I work to see how the many facets of the church connect. I spend one day a month in reflection and prayer out of the office to see this big picture. I am mission-oriented. Focusing on the mission helps unify all the parts and prioritize the investment of resources. I dream big, and I am patient. I am a strategic planner, and have experience in congregational development and church growth.

My experience in leading a large church and large school has increased my administrative skills. I have experience in developing strong staff teams, administering large budgets, and setting goals as the organization grows. I delegate well, and avoid micro-managing.

What are the primary challenges you see facing the Episcopal Church today and how would you lead the Diocese through those challenges?

Understanding human sexuality as children of God has challenged the Episcopal Church for decades. Recently, the authorization for trial use of liturgies for same-sex blessings has been the main topic of that ongoing conversation. That conversation is not going away. It is an important conversation in our church and culture. I believe the General Convention of 2015 will remove the “trial use” language of same gender blessings. Each diocese will then discern the question of their use within their local context.

Thanks to the leadership of Bishop Lillibridge, we have learned at our Diocesan Councils that we will not best discern a way forward through “winner-take-all” resolutions. We have learned we are theologically diverse, and faithful Christians can disagree on a variety of issues, yet remain at the Lord’s table.

I believe the role of the next bishop is to stand in the middle of our wonderful diversity, have a generous pastoral response to all people, and develop consensus among clergy and laity of a way forward that keeps everyone at the table. If I were called to be bishop, that is what I would humbly strive to do.

A second critical challenge is learning to share the Gospel in a rapidly changing culture. The Gospel does not change, but how we proclaim it and how we do ministry must evolve to be relevant to each generation. We will need to learn new skills, try new approaches, make hard decisions, and courageously engage our communities if we are to be relevant.

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The Rev. David Glenn Read Where have you had to grow so that the Church could grow?

There is not enough room here to list all the ways I have had to grow. I have learned I cannot do ministry by myself. I have learned to constantly balance my vocation to marriage and family with my vocation to the priesthood. Sometimes I do that well, sometimes I do not. I have had to learn to really trust the Holy Spirit. I have learned that if it is God’s will for my congregation to take on or continue a ministry, God will provide the way.

As congregations have grown, I have had to learn to shift my priorities and focus on new areas, while delegating leadership to laity. I have learned that I am never too busy to pray or read Scripture. It is a lesson which I keep reminding myself. I have had to own my weaknesses, and staff around them. I have learned to make hard decisions that will make some unhappy. I have learned I do not have to reinvent the wheel, and opportunities to learn from others are vast. I have learned that the longer I am in ministry, the more I understand what I do not know, but wish I knew. I have learned that when my congregation and I step out in faith, God richly blesses us in surprising ways. I have learned that even though newsletters must get published, roofs repaired, and vestry meetings held, ministry is all about my relationships with people and the God who loves them all dearly.

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The Rt. Rev. David M. Reed Biographical Data Name: David Mitchell Reed Date of birth:

March 9, 1957

Place of birth:

Brownsville, Texas

Name of spouse:

Patricia Ann Reed (Patti)

Names/ages of children:

Kaitlin (23), Jon (21)

College and degree(s): University of Texas, B.J. (Journalism, 1978) Seminary and degree(s): Seminary of the Southwest, M.Div. (1983)

Other education experiences: -Vocational/professional experience other than ordination: •

School teacher and coach (elementary and junior high)

Experience in the ordained ministry: • • • •

Assistant Rector, St. Alban’s, Harlingen, Texas, 1983-1987 Rector, St. Francis, Victoria, Texas, 1987-1994 Rector, St. Alban’s, Harlingen, Texas, 1994-2006 Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of West Texas, 2006-present

National, provincial, and diocesan and community activities: • • • • • • •

Currently active in most diocesan events and ministries Province VII Bishops’ meetings House of Bishops Standing Committee on the Structure of The Episcopal Church Board of Trustees - Seminary of the Southwest Board member - Morningside Ministries Participant and supporter - Prevent Child Abuse Texas: Walk to Action

What do you do for recreation?

Walk, hike, bike, photography, spend time with my family, read, fish, play guitar, go to the movie theater

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The Rt. Rev. David M. Reed How does your life reflect the life and teachings of Jesus?

Day by day, I try to live out the prayer to “see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly.” (Hymnal #654) This seeing, loving, and following Jesus is partly about claiming time to be still, but is also hammered out in the daily stuff of living—in the relationships, in the meetings, in the ministries, in the wins and losses. I do this very imperfectly, but I believe in the forgiveness of sins, and I trust in the grace and mercy of our Lord.

The incarnation, passion and death, and resurrection of Jesus are central to how I try, by grace, to reflect his life and teaching. (Of course, without those core Gospel proclamations, there would be no point in trying to reflect anything about Jesus.) Because the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, I believe this life, and each life, matters for eternity. Because Jesus offered himself fully and died for our sins and the sins of the world, I believe we can offer ourselves with confidence, joining our offering to Christ’s perfect offering, in service to the Church and the world. Because God raised Jesus from the dead, I believe that we, too, can know and live resurrection life right now, a life characterized by grace, love, joy, boldness and hope. I depend on the “grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit” to live and serve as I believe. (2 Cor. 13:14)

How are you intentional in your study of Scripture, your prayers, and your worship?

The Church year’s rhythm shapes my worship, personal prayers, and study of Scripture. Gathering with God’s people in God’s house to hear the Word, receive the Sacraments, and pray the Church’s prayers continually informs and forms me.

This is the lens through which I best understand life, others and myself; and best remember the common vocation of the Church as a people called and sent.

Bible reading and study, following the Lectionary, are enhanced by diocesan staff Bible studies and by the diocesan themes of the last several years that have served as organizing principles for study and work.

My personal prayer life is intertwined with the common prayer life and language of the Church. I cherish the Daily Office, though my use of it gets haphazard way too often. Book of Common Prayer prayers rise up regularly in my private devotions, comforting and challenging me. (See, for example, prayers for guidance, BCP, p. 100; for mission, p. 101; for the presence of Christ, p. 133; at ordination, p. 528; and Celebration of New Ministry, p. 562.)

Walking and hiking have become fruitful prayer times. And, during the abundant “windshield time” in my ministry, thinking about the day’s work often becomes prayer. In an interview about her prayer life, Mother Teresa was asked, “What does God say to you when you pray?” She answered, “Not a lot. Mostly, he listens.” Then she was asked, “So what do you say to him?” She answered, “Not a lot. Mostly, I listen.” I like that.

How do you proclaim by word and example God’s saving love revealed in Jesus Christ?

I’m mindful of the Greeks’ request in John’s Gospel (12:21): “We wish to see Jesus.” In proclaiming the Good News (whether preaching, teaching or doing), I try to get out of the way so that people can find and be found by Jesus. I also try to “practice what I preach,” seeking consistency between words and actions. The Holy Spirit has to work overtime, trying to bend my will to the will of the Father.

I can be as piously phony as anybody (phoniness being one of the things God’s saving love saves us from), and so I am always grateful for the family, friends, and fellow clergy God gives to help me regain a measure of true humility and to remember not to take myself too seriously (though the love revealed in Jesus is the most serious thing in the world).

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The Rt. Rev. David M. Reed Parents learn quickly that their children pay more attention to what they do than to what they say. Similarly, congregations tend to catch on when there’s a sharp disconnect between clergy words and deeds. By grace, I try to “show forth God’s praise, not only with my lips, but in my life.” (BCP, p. 101) Finally, intentional, prayerful stewardship is a grace-filled way to ensure that actions and words more closely match. How I use my time, talents, and money says as much about my grateful response to Christ’s saving love as my words do.

In what ways do you participate in reaching out to serve people in your community and throughout the world?

To serve people in the community and throughout the world has taken some new learning as bishop suffragan. First, though the diocesan office and my home are in San Antonio, my “community” is no longer a single church in a single town.

It’s the entire diocese. I cannot so easily serve directly and personally, as I used to do. Bishops, though, can be connectors, looking at the big picture and aware of the many gifts and talents available for a particular mission or ministry opportunity.

I’ve learned to reach out in service by encouraging congregations and clergy to get outside themselves and take seriously the dismissal at the end of Eucharist: “Go…” I’ve also learned to look for ways to match up people and congregations who have a particular spiritual gift with people and congregations who have a corresponding need.

That said, I still find delight in being part of a parish’s or mission’s outreach ministry when I’m able. I am blessed when I can serve directly in diocesan ministries (such as Cursillo, Camp Capers, acolyte festivals, and Happening), and when I can support and encourage our missionaries who go out from the Diocese of West Texas.

My personal participation (including time, talent, and money) in serving the larger community in Christ’s Name in recent years has included the Prevent Child Abuse Texas: Walk to Action, Habitat for Humanity, mental health ministries, addiction recovery ministries, ministry with the elderly, Episcopal schools, ecumenical ministries, and world mission.

What specifically do you do to foster a reconciled relationship with God and all people?

Reconciliation is a gift from God “who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” (2 Cor. 5:18) Fostering a reconciled relationship with God means, first of all, recognizing he desires such a restored relationship long before I’m aware it’s damaged. Repentance becomes necessary so that God’s loving-kindness can work to heal and restore. Specifically, I confess my sins so that I might be freed from them, reconciled to God and live anew.

Having received this gift, we are also given a mission: “In Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us.” (2 Cor. 5:19) As God moves to us in reconciling love, so we are to move toward others, seeking and offering reconciliation. Often, for me, this comes down to the necessary work of saying, “I’m sorry,” and admitting I messed up.

For followers of Jesus, practicing reconciliation leads us to cross boundaries—or at least bump up against them—for love of others. The divine work of reconciliation calls us to see and hear through that which separates us so that we recognize in the other a fellow child of God. This can bring us into places of great pain and anger. Specifically, I have tried, by grace, to not shy away from those places, but to enter into them, trying to reduce the distance between “us” and “them.” I try to seek Christ in others, and love because he first loved us.

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The Rt. Rev. David M. Reed Describe:

A. Your theology of leadership

B. Your strengths as a leader

C. Your strengths in administration A) True leadership in the Church can come only from Jesus Christ. Leaders must first of all be followers of Jesus, and the shepherds must know they are sheep in need of the Good Shepherd. As Jesus points out, leaders are to be disciples, and he often holds up examples of servants/slaves, children and widows to show what discipleship looks like. And there is a cross—our self-offering—we are called to carry, so that management techniques and organizational strategies, for us, must be formed by Christ’s perfect self-offering.

B) I’m an encourager who enjoys equipping congregations and individuals for ministry, helping them have renewed confidence in the Gospel, and to become more than they imagined possible. I work best as part of a team on a common mission.

I don’t have to have the best idea, and (usually!) am grateful for honest voices that disagree or offer another view. I tend to think out loud and include others in decision-making.

C) My desk and calendar look like a riot happened on them. My strengths lie more in seeing and articulating the larger picture, and in organizing people and resources for ministry. I’m pretty good at matching people with ministries and at team building. I count on people to do the work they’ve agreed to do, and I try to support them in that work. I rarely freak out.

In my administrative ministries, I try to practice gratitude, patience, forgiveness, and compassion—the same things I hope people working with me will practice.

What are the primary challenges that you see facing the Episcopal Church today and how would you lead the Diocese through those challenges?

Our culture is not just divided, but increasingly atomized, with the self becoming the ultimate authority and each his or her own self-defining god. The clearest manifestations of this may be in the power of consumerism (and its marriage to technology and media), and in the related diminishing of human lives into commodities and mere entertainment. Our culture, then, is not much interested in a Gospel that calls for repentance, self-denial, and loving sacrificially. We face both suspicion and indifference.

Within our Church, the greatest challenge may be our discouragement and loss of confidence in the Gospel’s power to save and transform lives. Congregations sometimes reach crossroads where they must do serious self-examination about whether to be a chapel or a church. That is, will they exist for themselves alone? Or will they live as those who have been buried and raised with Christ, called and sent to serve the Kingdom? Our Church is at that crossroads. Will we regard our tumbling decline as inevitable, and choose to hunker down as a chapel? Or will we be a Church, all in for being transformed into disciples, committed to living out the Gospel together and in the world?

If called to serve as diocesan bishop, I’d seek to continue Bishop Lillibridge’s practice of keeping the main thing the main thing—to not be defined by what divides us, to focus on our common mission, and to strengthen our confidence in the Anglican/Episcopal way of being the Church and living for Christ.

Where have you had to grow so that the Church could grow?

Early in ordained ministry, I had to learn that, on my own, I am not enough. I don’t have the gifts, skills, or energy to do all things well. As much as I love people and ministry, I can’t be everywhere. I had to grow by becoming less so that my congregations could become more in Christ.

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The Rt. Rev. David M. Reed When Patti and I married, and even more so, when we had children, I struggled to find that elusive balance between work and family, learning eventually that my unavailability at times could be a means of growth for the church family.

I’ve learned to fret less about those who choose not to show up and to celebrate more those who do. When people know we’re glad they are there, the Church grows.

As bishop suffragan, I’ve had to grow in new understandings and practices of ministry, maybe particularly in learning to lead without being in charge. My presence in any given place is temporary, and so I’ve needed to grow in my ability to plant seeds and trust God to give the growth.

I’ve also had to learn that all clergy are “temporary help,” working for those who will come after us; so we need to hold our “ownership” of the Church lightly. The most wondrous growth I’ve seen in me and the Church has been when, setting personal preferences aside, we stayed in the boat, helped others get in, and rowed together in the same direction—toward the Kingdom.

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The Rev. Robert James Woody Biographical Data Name: Robert James Woody Date of birth:

January 16, 1953

Place of birth:

Midland, Texas

Name of spouse:

Julie P. Woody

Names/ages of children:

Seth (24), Sam (23)

College and degree(s):

Baylor University, B.A. (1975) Baylor Law School, J.D. (1978)

Seminary and degree(s): Seminary of the Southwest, M.Div. (1999)

Other education experiences: Training as a mediator and divorce mediation Vocational/professional experience other than ordination: • • • • • • •

Trial attorney Shank, Irwin, Dallas, Texas Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, New York City Hankins New York McGrady & Woody Skelton & Woody, Austin, Texas Mediation Practice

Experience in the ordained ministry: • • •

Deacon, Church of the Good Shepherd, Tomball, Texas (Diocese of Texas), 1999 Assistant Priest, Church of the Good Shepherd, Tomball, Texas (Diocese of Texas), 1999-2002 Rector, Church of Reconciliation, San Antonio, Texas (Diocese of West Texas), 2002-present

National, provincial, and diocesan and community activities: • • • •

Examining Chaplains in the Diocese of West Texas Co-chair Reconciliation Commission (Diocese of West Texas) Executive Board of the Diocese of West Texas Creator and co-chair, San Antonio Missional Clergy Group

What do you do for recreation?

Daily walks with my wife, regular work-outs at outdoor gym, biking, bow-hunting, hiking, and backpacking

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The Rev. Robert James Woody How does your life reflect the life and teachings of Jesus?

In his time, culture and religious tradition, Jesus’ life and teachings were radical, controversial, and designed to bring about major change. Jesus challenged religious leaders and institutions to re-examine priorities, to let go of purity codes and other traditions which were exclusive and inconsistent with Jesus’ guiding principles – love God and love your neighbors as you would want to be loved. Jesus challenged the people to let go of traditional lifestyles, overly-focused on wealth, status and privilege; and to join in his Kingdom of God movement. Jesus welcomed and embraced those rejected as unworthy and unclean by culture and religion.

Measured by normal church standards (membership, attendance, pledges), Jesus would have been considered a failure.

Eventually, he was abandoned by everyone except his mother and a few women. But what he poured out his life for, and what he birthed – the Body of Christ on a Kingdom of God mission – changed everything.

I am trying to follow Jesus’ Way, as best I can. I am challenging my parish, diocese, and the wider church to re-examine our structures and priorities, to let go of “purity codes” and those traditions which sometimes intentionally or unintentionally exclude others, and in the process turn off many of our children, grandchildren, and their peers. I am lifting up and pushing the “missional movement” – a renewed focus on being the Body of Christ engaged in loving and serving our neighbors.

I am stretching myself to address the needs of a much more diverse parish and neighborhood.

How are you intentional in your study of Scripture, your prayers, and your worship?

Most of my formal study of Scripture is in preparation of sermons or Adult Formation classes. Additionally, during Lent and Advent, I sometimes do personal Scripture studies. Following my sense of call to help lead the church in making difficult and significant changes, I have faced some resistance. This has encouraged me to clearly ground my sermons, teaching, and leadership in Scripture.

Most mornings I have a personal time of prayer and worship, which includes silent meditation, some form of morning prayer, prayers for the challenges of the day and for friends, parishioners and family in need, and regular journaling.

Most of my formal worship is at services where I preside as priest at Reconciliation, but occasionally I have the opportunity to participate in worship in other churches. Gatherings with my faith community around the altar for communion are usually the holiest and most tender moments for me in my week.

As to informal worship, I connect most with God by being in nature and resonating with Creation. So I regularly take morning walks in parks or along the River Walk with my wife, and I do my regular workouts at outdoor gyms in parks. I also try to schedule at least one backpacking trip in a mountain wilderness area each year to study the “Big Book of Creation”. This July, I backpacked in Baxter State Park in Maine with my son and will go to Indian Peaks Wilderness in Colorado with my wife in September.

How do you proclaim by word and example God’s saving love revealed in Jesus Christ?

I believe we share the love of God revealed in Jesus most effectively by actively loving and building relationships with our brothers and sisters within our faith communities, our neighborhoods, and beyond. In the process, we open them (and ourselves) to a deeper relationship with God. Jesus usually began by welcoming, fellowshipping or addressing pressing physical or emotional needs. And then he often went deeper.

So I try to focus my time and energy on first noticing those who are in physical, emotional or spiritual need, and then imagining and identifying how we can best demonstrate and share God’s love with them. Real, authentic welcome and unconditional love opens all of us to an awareness of God’s presence.

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The Rev. Robert James Woody As a priest, I try to lead and guide my parish community in a similar way – to share God’s love as modeled by Christ, through authentic welcome, radical inclusion, and generous love.

In what ways do you participate in reaching out to serve people in your community and throughout the world?

Our parish embraces the “missional movement,” focusing most of our service on our very diverse neighborhood around us. I have been active in forming our Neighborhood Coalition (“NC”), which includes schools, neighborhood associations, apartment complexes, non-profits, and businesses. The NC has focused on crime and safety, healthcare, neighborhood relationships, tutoring and activities for at-risk children and youth. We recently formed a nonprofit to expand our impact.

For four years, our parish has hosted a five-week summer enrichment program for at-risk elementary students, hiring reading and math teachers for the mornings and college interns to lead afternoon activities, and collaborating with the Food Bank for meals and snacks. Volunteers from the parish, local high schools and neighborhood tutors serve meals and help with activities. I participate in planning and leadership, and volunteer as a tutor.

Our parish hosts a year-round workshop for approximately 50 developmentally disabled adults, run by a nonprofit, RMI (Reaching Maximum Independence). Parishioners volunteer in activities with our RMI friends, some of whom are active in the church as acolytes, ushers and choir members.

We collaborated with the neighborhood to develop a community garden with 38 raised beds, served by a 3,300-gallon rainwater retention system.

We are in the process of developing a collaborative Neighborhood Community Center, including an outdoor recreational pavilion, to house current and future neighborhood ministries.

Through these activities, my parish and I have devoted more and more time befriending, mentoring, pastoring and providing food and monetary assistance (~$18,000 this year) for our neighbors.

What specifically do you do to foster a reconciled relationship with God and all people?

I am a connector and peacemaker. I have been blessed to serve the past 12 years at Church of Reconciliation, a faith community deeply committed to the ministry of reconciliation since its founding. As we reach out to a very diverse neighborhood, and as we stretch as a faith community to imagine and experiment in creating a new, vibrant, and relevant church for our kids, grandkids and their peers, we frequently encounter conflict and resistance. One of my primary roles as rector and as a leader of our diverse Neighborhood Coalition is to strive to stay connected with everyone and encourage ongoing productive dialogue.

For five years, I have served as co-chair of the diocesan Reconciliation Commission, tasked with helping our diocese live out our core value of reconciliation. We have organized seminars for lay and ordained leaders, addressing reconciliation of divisions caused by race, culture, ethnicity, and theological differences, from Scriptural, theological and practical perspectives. At Bishop Lillibridge’s request, we developed a format for Facilitated Conversations to assist the diocese in discussing blessing of same-sex relationships. These conversations among parishes and at Diocesan Council have been very successful in helping us honor our diversity of theological and Scriptural positions and in developing a “generous pastoral response” towards those with whom we strongly disagree.

I have also been active in interfaith dialogues and activities in San Antonio, and in bringing together diverse sister parishes to share Holy Week services and a diversity of clergy to participate in workshops on “missional” ministry.

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The Rev. Robert James Woody Describe:

A. Your theology of leadership

B. Your strengths as a leader

C. Your strengths in administration A) God seeks leaders capable of: • hearing and discerning God’s vision for a particular time, place, and people, • personally embracing and living out that vision, • effectively communicating that vision to God’s people, • guiding God’s people through difficult changes necessary to live into the vision.

The Body of Christ must be made of radically diverse “members” to function effectively in bringing about the Kingdom of God. Therefore, a critical leadership skill is encouraging and managing collaboration within the dynamic tension of diversity.

B) Recently, working with a clergy coach, I completed a Strength Finders assessment. Here are the results: • Connectedness – I have a strong sense that everything and everyone is connected, interrelated and interdependent;

therefore, we must be bridge-builders, and considerate, caring, and accepting of one another.

• Strategic – I have the ability to spot relevant patterns and issues, and sort through clutter to find the best route.

• Self-Assurance – I have a strong inner compass that gives me confidence in managing my life and making difficult decisions.

• Ideation – I am fascinated with ideas and good at suggesting creative and innovative ways to do things.

• Learner – I have a great desire to learn and continuously improve; and am attracted to great challenges.

C) I am not a detail-oriented person and am comfortable with messy situations. My administrative strengths are looking at the big picture and developing strategies, processes, and teams for carrying out the plan. I am good at hiring and managing staff, and mentoring and training seminarians and new clergy.

What are the primary challenges that you see facing the Episcopal Church today and how would you lead the Diocese through those challenges?

The primary challenge facing the Church, including our denomination, diocese, parishes and missions, is that the old model of church most of us grew up in and cherish is shrinking and aging, and rapidly losing appeal to our kids, grandkids, and their peers. The Church will never die, but throughout its history, various institutional “vessels” for the Body of Christ have died and been rebirthed in order to carry the Good News to new cultures and new generations. In order to have an ongoing Kingdom of God impact in our world, given the increasing pace of change, we need a more flexible and agile model of church. We must become more open to change and experimentation that may not always work. We must distinguish between cherished traditions and dogmas, and the essential principles of the Church and our faith, which we must uphold.

For example, the Missional Movement Bishop Lillibridge has helped foster in our diocese, represents a major shift from an inwardly focused worshipping community that has “outreach” as one of many ministries, to an outwardly focused community that strives to be the Body of Christ, engaged in their neighborhood and in the world, in order to have a true Kingdom of God impact and bring about more Abundant Living for everyone. Younger generations, who see the old model of church as inauthentic and self-serving, will resonate with a compassionate, missional faith community that fosters social justice, and in the process, rediscover a relationship with the God of love.

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The Rev. Robert James Woody Where have you had to grow so that the Church could grow?

I grew up in conservative, evangelical churches, which, although devout and faithful, embraced literal interpretation of Scripture that taught me racial segregation was acceptable, homosexuals were sinners to be feared and excluded, and many Catholics and Episcopalians weren’t going to Heaven (because they couldn’t name the exact time and place they accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior). When I went through a divorce at age 30, I was no longer welcome. Thankfully, I found the Episcopal Church and began to grow and be stretched as a follower of Jesus. The stretching has continued for the last 30 years.

Learning to read Scripture from a “historical critical” perspective, for me, transformed the Bible from a rulebook to a source of spiritual inspiration, providing moral and ethical guidance for experiencing and sharing the Kingdom of God and Abundant Life God desires for everyone, especially those ignored or rejected by our culture and society. I have had to let go of many prejudices and judgments, and continue to do so.

The heart of my calling as a priest is to lead my parish and the wider Church through a journey of growth, stretching further and deeper into our calling to be the Body of Christ, unleashing the Kingdom of God, now and forever, for all. For 12 years, I have traveled this journey with Reconciliation, and consistent with our call to radical inclusion and unconditional love, we have decided that, before the bishop coadjutor election, we will request permission to bless same-sex unions.

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The election of a Bishop Coadjutor for the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas Saturday, October 25, 2014 TMI - The Episcopal School of Texas 10:00 a.m. http://council-dwtx.org

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