I am
a consultant helping faith communities and other organizations with
transitions
leadership development
education and program design
board and staff development
strategic planning
fund development
resource alignment
conflict
motivation
discernment
event facilitation
a motivational speaker
making connections between philosophy and business
enabling people to claim their own leadership
opening up dialogue between faith and work
a counselor for those
preparing for marriage or unions
dealing with grief and loss
moving through transitions
seeking vocational clarity
a coach for clergy, business executives, and non-profit leaders
promoting personal wellness
developing clarity about self and others
engaging in healthy practices
public speaking and other communication
a spiritual director of individuals and groups desiring
person-centered spiritual direction
classical training applied to contemporary life
a leader of workshops, conferences, and retreats
a writer
of non-fiction, fiction, and poetry
a coach for those needing improved writing skills
More about me...
Since 2004 I have been the Senior Priest of The Episcopal Church of St. Stephen and the Incarnation, Washington, DC. I came to St. Stephen’s from St. John's, Lynchburg, VA, where as rector I led major reforms in worship, education, outreach, and property improvements. At St. Stephen’s we have developed a model of shared leadership and I, as Senior Priest, convene and chair the clergy team and oversee liturgy, pastoral care, Christian formation, and parish life.
My bachelor’s degree from Randolph-Macon College is in English. I studied theology, concentrating in American church history, at Princeton Theological Seminary, and did further graduate work at The General Theological Seminary, New York City. After ordination as a deacon, I became Curate of St. Martin's Church, Charlotte, North Carolina (1971-74) and later Rector of St. Andrew's Church, Charlotte (1975-79). When Rector of Trinity Church, Newtown, Connecticut (1979-92), I worked with others to found and organize several agencies serving human needs, including the Family Life Center of Newtown and Amos House of Danbury. My work towards the Doctor of Ministry degree from Virginia Theological Seminary culminated in a project developed with the congregation of St. Stephen’s exploring the place of priesthood in a non-hierarchical leadership structure. My doctoral thesis is Affirming Priesthood and Sharing Ministry: One Parish’s Experience in Practicing Leadership.
In addition, I am author of Building Faith in Families: Using the Sacraments in Pastoral Ministry (Morehouse, 1986), a number of other articles and essays, and two books in progress, Binding Scripture to the Heart: Meditations on the Revised Common Lectionary; and The Book of Common Moments: Ordinary Life in the Light of God.