Haunted is an unusual word to use to begin a blog dedicated to the following thesis: “A rector (Episcopal church terminology for the senior pastor) is more effective when modeling a leadership identity that embraces collaboration grounded in humility.” On a practical level, this thesis statement guides my work as a Doctor of Ministry candidate at the Virginia Theological Seminary. On a personal level, I am probing what could have been done during the call process 18 years ago that led me to accept my first position as a rector that could have exposed the problems that caused so much pain during my last year at the parish. In other words, I feel “haunted” by that experience and hope that readers of this blog will collaborate with me in exploring approaches that might mitigate the pain both a pastor and congregation can feel when things don’t work out.
If you are willing to share in the project, then I ask you to read the admission essay I wrote to VTS (click here to be linked to the PDF). This will give you an idea of my journey. You will learn of the healing that occurred in my second parish and the challenge I anticipated after the first year of serving my current parish. I would be grateful for your comments on your own experiences in ministry.
I invite you to collaborate with me because I need concerned respondents who will challenge me and hold me accountable. I will share more of the thesis project as I become more comfortable with blogging.
I would also appreciate any comments you might have after visiting my website: www.deepchurch.net.
Thanks!
Bill
The Reverend William Carl Thomas
email: frbill@deepchurch.net
September, 2003 to present – Rector – St. Matthews, Charleston, West Virginia
December, 1994 to July, 2003 – Rector – St. Matthias, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
June, 1991 to November, 1994 – Rector - St. Mark’s, Warren, Rhode Island
3/4/90 to 7/30/96 – Chaplain (1LT) U.S. Army Reserve – Promoted CPT 5/4/95
July, 1989 to May, 1991 – Associate Rector – St. Ann’s, Sayville, New York
Spiritual Formation
♦ Doctor of Ministry Project Thesis – “A rector is more effective when modeling a leadership identity that embraces collaboration grounded in humility.” The project includes a study of the prayer offered by the new rector during a Celebration of a New Ministry.
♦ Benedictine Study Group - Since early 2005, guided a group, mostly men, that meets weekly for a simple breakfast and an open study centered on Benedictine Spirituality. This group has formed two very strong and dedicated Gen X vestry members.
♦ Deep Church – Began reflection on healthy parish relationships in 1998 that described the spiritual growth of St. Matthias as “Deep Church: A group of people who gather with a willing expectation to share intimately the love of God.” Article published in the January 20, 2002 parish administration issue of The Living Church magazine is posted at www.deepchurch.net.
♦ L.O.B.C. – Living Our Baptismal Covenant – From1995 through 2003,10 to 20 people at St. Matthias made an eight month, two-hour Sunday evening commitment to a lay-led Christian formation process of bible study, teaching, prayer, discovery, and discernment (used materials developed for the Diocese of Milwaukee while in seminary). Review the LOBC process at www.deepchurch.net.
♦ First Intentional Communion - Created this teaching and liturgy in 1990 which helps second grade age children become better prepared to receive Holy Communion. Read the article published in Nov/Dec 2007 issue of The Dayspring at www.deepchurch.net.
♦ The Innkeeper’s Witness – Created, wrote, and directed this original production in 2000 which expands the traditional Christmas pageant to include the witness of the now old innkeeper (“I hope I will not be as unprepared for his second coming as I was at his first”) after finding Jesus again at the Wedding in Cana, the Feeding of the Five Thousand, and the Road to Emmaus, Features original music and lyrics composed by my son, who was ordained a priest on June 14, 2008. More information at www.deepchurch.net.
Trained Consultant
Diocese of West Virginia – Stewardship Commission – May, 2007 to present
Diocese of Alabama – Stewardship Education Consultant – 1996 to 2003
Diocese of Rhode Island – Stewardship Education Consultant – 1992-1994
The P. B.’s Fund for World Relief – Consultant and Chaplain to The Society of the Anchor – 1991-1993 ECUSA – National Stewardship (STAR) Conference Presenter – 1990
Leadership Study
CREDO #109 – CREDO II – October, 2006 Virginia Theological Seminary
Doctor of Ministry Program – Began January, 2005
Virginia Theological Seminary Summer Refresher – June, 2004
Clergy Leadership Project (CLP) Class XVI – November, 2002, October, 03, 04, 05, Reunion 07 Church Development Institute (CDI) Leadership Clinic – July, 2002
CREDO #6 (Clergy Reflection Education Discernment Opportunity) – May, 2000
Alban Institute – Spirituality & Leadership: Leading From Within – February, 2000
Social Justice
Charleston, WV – Tuesday Morning African-American Clergy Group – 2007 to present
(Creating a collaborating network)
Tuscaloosa, AL – Inter-Denominational Ministerial Alliance – 1997-2003
(First Caucasian elected an officer of the Alliance)
Warren, RI – The East Bay Caring & Sharing Network – Co-founder – 1993-1994
Sayville, NY – The Greater Sayville Food Pantry – Co-founder – 1990-1991
Video Production
St. Matthews – Created over 30 “Father Bill” teaching videos for Sunday School – 2003-2006
Diocese of Alabama – Diocesan Council Reports video for Diocesan Convention – 2002
Diocese of Long Island – Gathering the Increase video for Diocesan Convention – 1994
Diocese of Milwaukee – Living Our Baptismal Covenant video and workbook – 1989-1990
Episcopal Preaching Foundation – Putting Powerful Preaching In The Pulpit video – 1989
