Episcopal Diocese of Missouri PROFILE FOR OUR 11th BISHOP
an invitation Welcome to the Diocese of Missouri!
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elcome to the Diocese of Missouri! The following pages tell the story of the Episcopal Church in eastern Missouri and its people. These pages describe our rich history, who we are and more importantly, they show who God is calling us to be. The process to complete this profile has been one in which we have been surprised by hope. We began with an on-line survey that had 858 respondents. The Search/Nominating Committee then led listening sessions in every congregation in the diocese where we heard the voices of more than 600 parishioners. Listening to the people of the diocese has been a joy. We have discovered untapped passion to witness, to celebrate, and to share our love of God with the world. Our diocese is not without its challenges, but our next bishop will not be alone in addressing them. The bishop that God calls to Missouri will shepherd a diocese filled with people eager to “fight the good fight, run the race, and keep the faith.� We seek a bishop who will walk with us and shepherd us as we live into the vision God has set before us. As you read this profile, know that the Diocese of Missouri is praying for you as you discern whether you are called to be our bishop. May God bless you in this holy work!
Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to God from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20,21 2
in our diocese: we cover
the eastern half of Missouri
we include
10,200 42
congregants
campus ministries DEACONESS ANNE HOUSE/ ESC
congregations
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125 CLERGY 59 parochial clergy 15 non-parochial clergy 51 retired clergy
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Our congregations are urban, suburban and rural. Some are growing, some are struggling, but each has unique gifts to boldly proclaim the word of God. 3
THE DIOCESE OF MISSOURI our logo:
First and foremost, the cross is the prominent element of the logo. It represents the Christian faith and is based on the crosses used on The Episcopal Church shield. While the colors of the cross are symbolic of nature, the four different colors yield to the church’s respect of diversity. The circle is inclusive of all; all Episcopalians within the diocese belong. The crimson color is based on church liturgy. “The Episcopal Church” appears red and in a different font to connect the Diocese of Missouri to the greater Church—even using the red of The Episcopal Church shield. 4
our mission: The Mission of the Diocese of Missouri is the mission of all baptized Christians: to teach and to spread the Gospel and its knowledge of salvation to all people; and to make the love of Christ known in the world through our own actions as individuals, as congregations, and as the diocese, by feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, housing the homeless, caring for the sick, visiting the prisoner, and comforting those in times of trouble.
our tagline: MAKING DISCIPLES BUILDING CONGREGATIONS FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD
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Who We Are T
he story of Who We Are in the Diocese of Missouri is the story of a faithful and resilient folk engaged with God in our churches, neighborhoods, communities, regions, diocese and beyond. The greatest treasure of this diocese is the people, lay and ordained, who live their faith listening to the needs of the beloved people of God near and far; working and advocating faithfully to meet those needs as Christ’s disciples. As Christ lived and gave his life for all, particularly those the world would dismiss and reject, so we live our lives striving to offer Christ’s embrace, love, mercy, equity, voice and justice to all. Our ministries include those of feeding (including the filling of weekend backpacks and leading and supporting food pantries), clothing, housing, and sheltering those in need. They include community gardens, the support of schools and hospitals associated with our diocese and the work with the incarcerated. They include the establishment and support of Deaconess Anne House, Bravely, Episcopal Campus Ministry: Rockwell House, Episcopal School for Ministry and Episcopal City Mission. Our ministries also are engaged in Gun Violence Prevention, Dismantling Racism and LGBTQIA advocacy. Our small but dedicated Community of Deacons helps our churches to engage with our local communities to discover more mission opportunities—leading the Church to discover those places in our neighborhoods which break Jesus’ heart, and to stand in solidarity with those in the margins, who are often neglected. Through our diocesan Episcopal School for Ministry, we equip deacons and lay persons to minister with others. There are many more treasures, assets and strengths that are less tangible and yet are essential. We have a history of resilience in the face of insurmountable odds which reaches into the present day. We are a community of faith which often publicly laments our collusion with systems throughout our history that contribute to humanity’s inhumanity toward one another.
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our challenges and opportunities N
ot surprisingly our challenges and opportunities are very often one and the same. It is our strong sense that the diversity across our diocese challenges our desire for community and connection. Our parishes differ widely in size, location, culture, financial resources, and political, and social ideology. An opportunity expressed by many in our diocese is to find ways to connect as we listen to one another, pray for one another, and widen our vision to the possibility that God is at work within the diversity itself. We may find that some of our priorities in the urban, suburban, and rural areas connect more deeply than many of us imagine. As we work with our next bishop to build community among us, there may indeed arise the opportunity for God to guide us in love as we share our challenges, hopes and dreams. In our prayerful connections with one another across our divides we may find new understandings and blessings enough to share with others with whom differences across the spectrum have long since kept us apart. As cultural shifts affect church participation and as our region experiences economic uncertainty, several of our faith communities are finding it difficult to maintain buildings and ministries with diminishing resources of every kind. We have had our share of opening, closing and merging parishes. Moving forward, we will need a pastoral strategy in dealing with these holy and complex situations. We also must honor the input of those affected as we formulate this strategy. We are an aging Church; the average age of respondents to the online survey was well over 65. We have before us an opportunity to listen to younger generations and develop new ways of approaching ministry and mission. We seek a bishop to help us think creatively about engaging the mission of God beyond our church doors while pastorally taking care of those within. 7
The blessing of our faith offers us the great opportunity to cast aside our divisions, long held biases, and fears in order to embrace God’s abundance. The challenge and opportunity is to imagine the church God calls us to be. We are a diocese with a strong faith; there are extraordinary ministries going on across this diocese. We need to continue to engage in the vitally important social issues of racism, gun violence, drug use, homelessness, suicide, ageism, and classism. The issues of income inequality, economic uncertainty and climate change with its increased flooding potential will require a shared vision by our leaders throughout our diocese. Our clergy are a significant asset. How we raise them up, nurture them and support them is an opportunity and a challenge. The journey to ordination can be challenging on a number of levels; our changing demographics will call us to re-imagine the discernment process and develop flexibility to allow for more inclusivity and diversity among our clergy candidates. Additionally, we will need to address equity in salary and benefits across the Diocese of Missouri. The data collected from our survey and listening sessions revealed several key points about who we are and who we hope to be. Our survey assessed energy and satisfaction within the diocese. The results show a widespread feeling of very low energy and low satisfaction. It might come as a shock to know the survey consultants and search committee believe this is good news. What we have uncovered are two challenges we are excited to tackle. First, there is widespread desire from every congregation to engage in ministry together more often. We want shared ministries, shared goals, and a shared vision.
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We just want to spend time together! Clergy want more opportunities to connect for mutual refreshment and support. Parishioners want to get to know more people around the diocese and work toward common goals. We want more opportunities to pray together, serve together, act together and address together with our bishop the missional work of the church across the Diocese of Missouri. The second issue involves racial reconciliation in St. Louis. The nation was rocked by protests in response to the death of Michael Brown. What began in Ferguson spread throughout the country. While the protests subsided, reconciliation and justice are far from complete, in St. Louis, our region, or the country. However, many in this region (both within and outside of the church) believe that St. Louis is poised to bring about significant change that will have ripple effects throughout our nation. As protests began here and spread, so we believe reconciliation can begin here and transform our church and country. The Diocese of Missouri has been active in racial reconciliation and justice work throughout our proud history. As we come together as a diocese, we believe there is a real chance to make a profound, sustainable impact in this moment of time. A strength and an opportunity is the eager willingness among many to serve in the leadership and ministry of the diocese. We are a diocese that is ready to meet the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that exist today.
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In our prayerful connections with one another across our divides we may find new understandings and blessings enough to share with others with whom differences across the spectrum have long since kept us apart.
WHAT WE HAVE discovered about ourselves Savior, like a shepherd lead us, Much we need Thy tender care Hymnal 1982, #708
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his search process has been a wonderful period of discernment. We have spent the last several months listening. We have listened to each other through 858 online survey results and 48 Holy Listening Sessions across every congregation of the diocese. We have listened to God through prayer and worship. We believe we have a clear vision of the work God has given us to do, and we seek a bishop to join us with strength & courage to love and serve the Lord with gladness & singleness of heart. Five distinct imperatives emerged from this process, which are briefly outlined on the following page.
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1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
5 emerging imperatives for our diocese Address congregational instability. Parishes and missions that are struggling require pastoral leadership as decisions are made regarding their future. Listening sessions indicated that there exists a strong desire for more visible diocesan leadership. Draw the clergy, people, and congregations of the diocese together. Our diocese is very diverse, and, at times, this diversity can cause conflict. Our urban, suburban, and rural parishes have their own specific issues. This cause for potential conflict can be recognized, named, and through sound leadership we can move forward. Continue our history of witnessing to Christ through social justice. On social issues, rural congregations often feel browbeaten to follow what is perceived as a “liberal agenda” while most urban congregations seem frustrated that the Church has not taken a strong enough stance on issues of diversity and social justice. Our history is rich with examples of coming together on issues of social justice. This can’t be more evident today than what is found in our historic, downtown cathedral. Homelessness, hunger and gun violence can all be found a short distance from its walls. Yet, its doors are always open to show God’s love with no questions asked. This missional attitude can be used as an example throughout the diocese and, with leadership, can be transformative in all our communities. This is not to negate the ministries found within our congregations today. We can do so much better by working closer together with a shared missional vision. Continue to address challenges of racism. Our racism issues have been with us throughout our history and have been well publicized as a result of the shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson. Some of our clergy and lay leadership were on the front line as the protests continued. This attitude can be used as a platform to address the issues found in all our church communities…with the right leadership. This will go a long way to enhance the relevancy of our Church in the communities we serve. Improve energy and satisfaction throughout the diocese. As determined through our on-line survey, there is a low level of both energy and satisfaction within our diocese today. However, there exist several initiatives that can change this relatively quickly which will affect both our energy and satisfaction levels—create a shared vision that unites us; take a leadership role in helping struggling parishes; develop a discernment process to rethink how to be relevant and vital Episcopal churches in our specific communities. 11
our finances T
he Diocese of Missouri is in sound financial condition. The 2019 Budget is balanced and reflects the priorities of both the bishop and the Diocesan Council. In total, the current budget is approximately $2.5M for both revenue and expenses. Historically, the budget has not always been in this situation. In 2007 the bishop and the treasurer reviewed the long-term impact of two years of deficit spending and together developed a plan to insure sustainability. Hard staffing and spending decisions were made based on future revenue projections. There are two major sources of revenue that impact the operating budget. The first is the Frank and Mattie Thompson Trust of $17.3M generating $425,000 in income for 2019. The bishop possesses sole discretionary authority over spending from this Trust. Historically, a large portion of this income has been directed to general diocesan operations. The second source of revenue is the assessment coming from the parishes and missions of the diocese. This assessment is based on General Convention guidelines and is currently at 12.5% of reported parochial report levels of revenue for each parish. This amount has fluctuated over the years based on parish stability and their intended support of the diocese. The current level of this revenue stream is $1.285M. As parishes struggle to maintain stable operating budgets themselves, this flow of income may be negatively impacted. Approximately 25% of our parishes are not meeting the minimum level of support for 2019.
2019 budgeted income Parishes and Mission’s Assessments $1,284,500 Bishop’s Thompson Fund, $425,000 White Fund Loan Int, $305,000 Investment Interest Income, $265,500 Program Income, $86,175 Donaldson Fund Income, $81,760 Miscellaneous, $33,000 12
2019 budgeted expenses Administrative, $522,770 Episcopate, $785,215 Supporting Congregations, $685,450 Making Disciples, $287,910 Communications, $247,490
In addition to our yearly budget, our current balance sheet reflects our stability as well. The Thompson Trust is joined by other legacy trusts as sources of ministry and parish support. The Kelton E. White and Alma Mayland White Trust is designated by the bishop, with advice and consent of the Standing Committee, for use by the parishes in capital projects. The current Trust balance is $12.1M. There is an initiative to expand the Trust guidelines to provide more flexibility in the use of its income. The current level of the Loan Fund generated by this Trust is $9.6M. As can be seen, the health of the parishes of the diocese is critical. We must continue to find ways to reverse the declining trend we are experiencing. Our vision for expanded relationships between our parishes and between our parishes and the diocese will help in this endeavor.
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a brief history of our diocese T
he Diocese of Missouri was established in 1841, more than 20 years after the founding of Christ Church (1819), the first Episcopal congregation west of the Mississippi River. This year, Christ Church Cathedral is celebrating 200 years of service and presence in the City of St. Louis. When missionary bishop Jackson Kemper arrived here in 1835, the congregation was small, struggling and without a priest. Between 1836 and 1843, Bishop Kemper founded six churches across Missouri. Missouri’s first diocesan bishop, Cicero Hawks, organized more congregations between 1844 and 1859. The Civil War split congregations, closed or nearly closed several, divided clergy and vestries, and at least one building, Grace Church in Jefferson City, was commandeered as a hospital. Bishop Hawks, who had long hoped for a hospital in the diocese and for schools to educate young people, worked hard to maintain diocesan unity. After the Civil War, many congregations were struggling to survive. But there was new life as well. Between 1868 and 1886, our second bishop, Charles Robertson, would see the organization of more than 25 new churches across the state. Notable among these was the Mission of Our Savior for St. Louis’ African American community. The mission was founded in 1874, and at the same time, Bishop Robertson ordained James E. Thompson, the first African American cleric in the diocese and he became the first pastor of the new mission. Following his departure in 1879, the Bishop ordained Cassius M. C. Mason who became the second pastor for Our Savior. Our Savior, soon renamed All Saints, became one of the most prestigious congregations in our diocese and in the wider Church. On the surface, the founding and success of All Saints was positive and forward looking, but looking back, could it have been a means to reduce the number of people of color in other congregations? Another notable congregation is St. Thomas Episcpal Church for 14
the Deaf, worshiping in American Sign Language since 1876. This congregation gathers in a chapel of Grace Church, Kirkwood, Missouri. Their liturgical practice is attuned to Deaf Culture. Missouri’s mission grew in other ways between the Civil War and World War II. In addition to new churches, leaders in the diocese would found St. Luke’s Hospital (1865), Episcopal City Mission (1894) and Grace Hill Settlement House (1903), all of which continue to thrive. Others, like the Orphans Home and the School of the Good Shepherd, would serve the church and the community until their missions were complete. Today, the Bishop of Missouri has a seat on the boards of St. Luke’s Episcopal Presbyterian Hospital, Episcopal City Mission and Grace Hill House, as well as Care and Counseling, Missouri Botanical Garden, The Interfaith Partnerships, and the University of the South. Following the arrival of our third bishop, Daniel Tuttle, the diocese was divided. The diocese finally recognized that the growing number of congregations and the distances to be traveled was too much for one bishop and led to a strong sense of disconnection. The Diocese of West Missouri was created in 1889. While travel today is much easier and the number of congregations fewer, difficulties of distance and urban/suburban/rural rooted in our history remain. The Diocese of Missouri includes the oldest standing Episcopal church building in the State of Missouri: St. John’s Church, Eolia, erected in 1856. The diocese also has at least seven other church buildings currently in use that were erected between 1861 and 1900, which are lovely, but expensive to maintain. In the first half of the 20th century, “Jim Crow” affected our congregations, some dividing again as they had during the Civil War. African American members of majority white congregations were “frozen out” of their churches. 15
Clergy were often at odds with their parishioners over racism, education, housing discrimination, economic inequality, and other justice issues. World War I ended; Prohibition was instituted; women won the right to vote; the 1920s roared; the stock market crashed; Prohibition was repealed; World War II loomed. William Scarlett became our fifth bishop, leading through the depression and war years, working with leaders in the diocese and across the church to address issues of poverty, hunger and racism. In the late 1930s, we built a new mission church, St. Mark’s, the first modern church building in St. Louis, featuring simple, elegant stained glass windows that examine the life of St. Mark and our call to intentional social justice ministry. World War II brought its own problems, and yet our diocese benefited from the general optimism and energy of the 1950s and 60s. Between 1953 and 1965, 14 new congregations were organized. In St. Louis County, eight new missions were opened…sometimes in storefronts and sometimes using space in schools. Six more were opened in outstate Missouri. Campus Ministry was strengthened, including a priest-chaplain in Columbia, funded jointly by the Dioceses of Missouri and West Missouri. The Civil Rights era in St. Louis brought challenges to the church and the community. The same study that recommended new missions in the County, recommended shoring up and sometimes merging existing congregations in the City. Bishop George Cadigan, church leaders and Diocesan Convention looked for ways to minister to the urban poor. As a Pilot Diocese, Missouri had the opportunity to try new programs: a Head Start Program at Ascension, after school tutoring at Trinity and St. Stephen, Northside Team Ministry with the new housing project. Services at the Cathedral and other churches were interrupted by protests. St. Stephen’s, St. Louis clergy made visual and 16
Our history has played a leading role in shaping who we are.
vocal statements on behalf of the poor and against discriminatory practices in banking, real estate, education, employment and the Vietnam War. Our churches were also sites for fierce disagreements among parishioners and between parishioners and clergy. By the early 1980s, Diocesan Convention was working on ways to address racial and economic justice. The Racism Commission, later renamed the Dismantling Racism Commission, was put into place. This effort functions under the direction and control of the bishop of the diocese. Six to eight of our 42 congregations have planned, organized and implemented programs in their own congregations. The work of the Commission is vital to the overall forward movement of the diocese as it keeps the racial issue, as well as other intersecting social issues on the “front burner” of diocesan programs. The commission works to support the diocese in finding common ground on which to stand to unite, not divide. Through relationship building, dialogue, education and action the Commission strives to build a more well informed community. In the midst of our disagreement we began to ask ourselves: What does it mean to lead, especially in times of turbulence and massive change? Is the job of the Church only to pray, or is it to act? The Church should stay out of politics and leave social issues to other people! Statements were made including: The Church must speak truth to power; The Church must take a stand; If the Church is too liberal, the money will leave. In the past 40 years, the Episcopal Church has experienced significant change and fierce division. The Diocese of Missouri was among the first to support the ordination of women to the priesthood. During Bishop Jones’ episcopate 21 women were ordained in or for the Diocese of Missouri. Bishop Rockwell and Bishop Smith opened the ordination process to members of the LGBTQIA community. Although clergy of color have been part of our diocese since 1874, fewer than 20 have served in Missouri during the last 40 years. Throughout our 178 years, the Diocese of Missouri has strived to proclaim the Good News to the ends of the earth, or at least to the ends of the diocese! While we’ve planted churches throughout our region, we also have a long history of ministry to those on the margins. We have opened hospitals, schools, expansive food ministries for the hungry, and founded ecumenical dialogues. We ordained African American clergy in 1874, elected the first female deputy to General Convention in 1946, were among the first to support the ordination of women clergy in The Episcopal Church, advocated for victims of the AIDS crisis, proudly participated in ministries of inclusion and continue to openly support the LGBTQIA community, and we march hand-in-hand in Ferguson. We believe following Jesus means sharing the Gospel with all, and we invite our next bishop to share in our proud history. 17
what we’re looking for in our next bishop Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. 1 Peter 4:10
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e are searching for a bishop who is a passionate follower of Christ and is eager to share their faith in God. As primary among these gifts, we want a compassionate, energetic, pastoral leader who understands the diversity in our communities and congregations. A person who can relate to our urban, suburban, and rural churches. A person who can deeply listen to life-long Episcopalians at a potluck—as well as a newcomer, full of questions at one of our non-traditional church settings. A minister who can boldly speak the truth at a gathering of many, and who can bravely work through conflict in a small group. We are seeking a pastor who will partner with us. An empathetic shepherd who will listen to our ideas, celebrate our ministries, and encourage us to find new and different approaches—bringing innovative missional thinking to our common life together. We expect our bishop to be a person grounded in prayer and unafraid to share their spirituality. A sense of humor is a must! A pastor with a confident sense of self, who will humbly love us regardless of, race, political affiliation, gender identity, sexual-orientation, disabilities, and countless other avenues of God’s glorious diversity.
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might God be calling you to this mighty work? We want a person with a deep spiritual dedication, who is well versed in the great stories of our faith and tradition, who respects the tension between the liturgical traditions of the past and the deep desire for other language and modes of expression to worship our God who continues to speak to each of us, our communities and our diocese. Our next bishop cannot be everything to everyone. We are not looking for a bishop to save us, rescue us, or fix us. We seek a shepherd to lead and walk with us. And it all comes back to God. We want an evangelist. Someone to witness to God’s never ending presence in a world which is increasingly polarized and broken. We want someone to work with us to develop our gifts and to encourage us to do the work God has given us to do in the world. Might God be calling you to this mighty work?
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Episcopal Diocese of Missouri PROFILE FOR OUR 11th BISHOP
Search/Nominating Committee Ms. Deborah Nelson Linck, Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis, Chair
Lay Ms. Ilena Albarron, Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, University City Ms. Elizabeth Kroes-Asher, Episcopal Church of the Advent, Crestwood Mr. Richard Entenmann, Grace Episcopal Church, Kirkwood Mr. Matthew Jackson, All Saints Episcopal Church, Farmington Mr. Rudy Nickens, Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, University City Ms. Bren O’Connor, Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis Mr. William Sheldon, St. Thomas Deaf Episcopal Church Ms. Annette Webb, Calvary Episcopal Church, Columbia Dr. Carter Whitson, Trinity Episcopal Church, CWE, St. Louis
Clergy The Rev. Chester Hines, Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, University City The Rev. Luke Jernagan, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Ladue The Rev. Harry Leip, Trinity Episcopal Church, CWE, St. Louis The Very Rev. Kathie Adams-Shepherd, Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis The Rev. Sally Weaver, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Ellisville The Rev. Tamsen Whistler, Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Charles
Contact Us mobishopsearch@gmail.com