Called to Lead?

There are many forms of leadership in the Episcopal Church – laity (members of a church) and ordained clergy (deacons, priests, and bishops).

Called to Lay Leadership?

The lay people in our churches, in addition to living into their call to lay ministry, also serve in many leadership roles. They help lead worship through greeting, music, reading, praying and preaching, and serving communion. They lead in the administration of our churches by serving on teams that educate children, youth, and adults, care for our buildings, manage and raise funds, and create and carry out our many ministries of feeding, healing, and serving.

If you are interested in being a leader, or if you are interested in exploring a leadership role, please speak with your local pastor/priest/rector. You must be a member of the parish for at least a year and undergo a background check and training to work with children or manage finances.

Called to be a Deacon?

Deacons are ordained leaders who serve as a link between the church and the world. Deacons participate in God’s mission by serving the powerless, vulnerable, and those in need, both inside and outside of the church. They help the church know the tangible needs of the community and support and encourage the church’s response.

Deacons serve in worship by leading prayers, reading the gospel, and setting up and serving communion. They also serve in the community in various and critical ways. If you feel called to be a deacon, please speak with your local deacon and your local pastor/priest/rector. If your church does not have a deacon please also reach out to the leader of our deacons, the Rev. Patti Blaine (pattiblaine@gmail.com).

Called to be a Priest?

Priests are ordained leaders who are called to love and serve the people of the church, caring alike for young and old, strong and weak, rich and poor. Priests lead worship and prayer, preach, and consecrate the Eucharist. They spend time in prayer and study and must balance their responsibilities to self, family, friends, and the community. Priests called to lead churches as rectors are entrepreneurs, community organizers, and good administrators. Just as all are welcome to be part of the Episcopal Church, leadership roles in the church are open to all people regardless of race, gender, identity, sexuality, class or culture. You must be an official member of a congregation for at least a year before beginning a discernment process, which can take three to five years, depending on education. If you feel called to be a priest, please reach out to your local pastor/priest/rector. You can also contact the Rev. Annie Jones, Director of Formation (annie@episcpalrochester.org), for more information.