Bishop Todd Hunter has appointed The Rev. Cliff Warner of Christ Church Austin as Dean of Texas, succeeding the Very Rev. Paul Donison of Christ Church Plano. This transition has been in the works for a few months and is now complete. Here, Cliff shares his vision for the Texas Deanery and how we can pray for him.
Q: What drew you to take on the responsibility of Dean?
Cliff Warner: I was drawn to the opportunity to work with our Bishop to see our parishes and clergy thrive at the local level. Deaneries provide a way for clergy to build collegiality, share resources, and collaborate for the gospel.
Q: What has equipped and prepared you for this role?
CW: This is the second time I’ve served as Dean of Texas. I did it for several years, stepped back for a few years, and now return to it with a good idea of what it entails. On the other hand, our Deanery and diocese have changed.
As a priest, I’ve served in both the Associate role and the Rector role, in a turnaround situation with just a few dozen people—similar to church planting. Now I am at a larger church that has been able to plant a couple of other congregations in recent years. There is still so much to learn, especially as we are all navigating extraordinary circumstances in our churches, nation, and the world. I’m thinking a lot about what the pastoral vocation looks like under the current circumstances, which might have long-term impact.
Q: What’s your vision for the Texas Deanery?
CW: My vision for the Texas Deanery is summarized in two phrases: 1) Warm collegiality and 2) Generative collaboration. Warm collegiality looks like intentional gatherings of clergy to catch up on personal and ministry life and pray together. It also means looking for ways that we can be open-handed and mutually supportive.
By generative collaboration, I mean that I would love to see the Texas Deanery be a place where life naturally and organically begins and grows. That looks like developing new leaders, congregations and ministries. And it means that ordained clergy see themselves as serving a kingdom of priests—parishioners who are salt and light in their everyday life and work.
Q: What are you looking forward to most?
CW: I’m looking forward to conversations with clergy, building community and dreaming together.
Q: How can we pray for you?
CW: Please pray for my own walk with Jesus, that I would live my days consciously in his presence, longing for him and his kingdom, and be faithful in very daily and ordinary ways.
Cliff Warner has been Rector of Christ Church since moving to Austin in 2006 with his wife, Christine, and four children. Before coming to Austin, he was Pastor of Community and Mission and founder of Ciudad Nueva Community Outreach, an urban mission in downtown El Paso, TX. Before serving on the U.S.-Mexico border, Cliff completed theological studies at Regent College, served migrant farmers and prison inmates, and worked in a church small group ministry and on staff with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at the University of Texas. He is excited to be back in the city of Austin and near UT where he discovered his call to ministry, fell in love with his wife, and grew into abiding love with Jesus. Cliff enjoys the Austin outdoors, kayaking, running, hiking, reading, cooking, and the adventure of life with Christine, Brendan, Cormac, Skye and Bronwyn.