Leadership and Administration at Grace-St. Luke’s

In the New Testament, Jesus shares his spirit and wisdom with others, raising up leaders for what becomes the first Christian communities. There are numerous examples of how Jesus puts his mission and ministry in the hands of others. Peter, the rock, is an obvious, famous example. Equally important is Mary Magdalene, the first witness of the resurrection, whose words and mission communicate the Easter faith. Paul, of course, is a kind of organizer and certainly a theologian. Other leaders contribute, too, and their gifts range from words (Stephen’s speech in Acts, say) to profound actions that need no words (Joseph of Arimethea burying Jesus).

When it comes to Paul, he is the first to say that the church is "the body of Christ" and that the Spirit inspires this body with gifts, including the gift of leadership or administration (see I Corinthians 12). Passionately, Paul describes how every single member of the body of Christ has a gift to offer. And the greatest gift is the gift of love (see I Corinthians 13), a gift all of us in the body of Christ are expected to practice day in and day out.

Grace-St. Luke’s is blessed with remarkable people who have diverse gifts. Our Vestry, in particular, is a spirited, thoughtful group of leaders. The Vestry in the Episcopal Church is charged by the canons with financial oversight, oversight of building and grounds, and several other duties (including the calling of a new rector when that office is vacant). Recently, our Vestry elected new officers by a vote taken at our annual Vestry retreat. I am happy to report that Barney Rolfes is our new Senior Warden. Barney brings to this position great love for the people of Grace-St. Luke’s, wisdom about our past, and great energy for our future. Barney regularly attends our 8:00 am Eucharist on Sundays. Candy Jeffcoat is our new Junior Warden. Candy is also wise, bringing experience in other Episcopal churches, a love for our liturgy, and a great grasp of what a wide mission we have at Grace-St. Luke’s. Candy attends the 10:30 am Eucharist, and lately has attended the 5:30 pm Eucharist with regularity in order to represent the Vestry at that service. Jim Greer is our new Clerk. Jim also brings many gifts—a bright theological mind, experience teaching our High School Confirmation Class, and a great eye for detail. Jim attends the 10:30 am Eucharist. I am also delighted to say that all three of these new officers have a great sense of humor, which is definitely a spiritual gift in my book. It will be a joy and an honor to work with them.

One of the many qualities of the Episcopal Church is that oversight of the church is shared among clergy and lay people. We believe that the Holy Spirit works in and through all members of the Church, and that leadership is meant to be shared broadly: Bishop, priests, deacons, and lay people working in coordination. One way in which this principle of shared leadership is embodied on the parish level is through the Vestry and their elected officers. I invite your thanksgiving and prayers for our new officers. We have been blessed abundantly by God’s Spirit at Grace-St. Luke’s.

Richard Lawson, Rector