Bishop Todd recently appointed The Very Rev. Mark Fields to succeed the Very Rev. Ger Jones as Regional Dean of Southern California, as Ger focuses on his intense pastoral work at Vintage L.A. Mark is planting an Anglican contemplative community in his Southern California town of Upland, and he begins his new role on May 1. We caught up with Mark to talk about his background and what he’s looking forward to most. See Mark’s CV.
What Is a Regional Dean?
Regional Deans are key to the success of C4SO, sharing in Bishop Todd’s leadership of mission and pastoral care in each of our five Deaneries.
Among the Dean’s responsibilities:
– Developing and sharing a regional vision for ministry
– Helping Bishop Todd oversee and care for the Deanery
– Providing supportive and collaborative leadership for mission and ministry in the Deanery
– Convening a Clericus (a monthly gathering of the Deanery’s clergy)
– Conducting other Deanery meetings and events
Q: Mark, why did you want to take on the responsibilities of Regional Dean?
Mark Fields: Long on the Canterbury trail, my wife Karen and I have been well received into C4SO after spending decades in the Vineyard. We are very grateful for that hospitality and, in response to Bishop Todd’s invitation, anticipate being able to return a portion of what we have received by sharing our gifts, skills and experience with our new family.
Q. What has equipped and prepared you for this role?
MF: I planted and pastored a church for more than 20 years in Southern California, subsequently being invited into a denominational role by Bishop Todd before he was Anglican. My last 23 years of ministry were primarily international and involved investing in leaders and building teams around the world with the result of lots of churches being planted. In addition to being a well-trained missiologist, I, along with my wife Karen, am trained in spiritual direction and coaching, which are important skills in working with leaders. The intersection of spiritual formation and mission remains a key part of my calling.
I was born and raised in Southern California. Even when I was in the Navy, I was stationed in San Diego and at Camp Pendleton. It is the part of the world I know best and am happy for the opportunity to focus my attention here at home doing work I know well in this phase of my life.
Q: What’s your vision for the SoCal Deanery?
MF: While I am still new to C4SO (and there is much listening yet to be done and vision to be discerned together), I would love to see three things happen:
• That all clergy and churches feel connected, cared for, known and resourced with continuing opportunities for spiritual and professional growth
• That the Deanery fully reflects the wonderful diversity of Southern California
• That there are opportunities to support one another in cooperative ministry and mission
Q: What are you looking forward to most?
MF: Getting to know all the clergy and churches in the Southern California Deanery.
Q: What do you believe is important about building community as a Deanery?
MF: I have long believed the truth of a proverb I first heard in Africa: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” Ministry is particularly difficult when one feels alone. The encouragement, support and accumulated wisdom of others is essential for long-term ministry success. Spiritual and ministry formation are best done in community.
Q. How can we pray for you?
MF: Pray I would listen well to each person and notice the work of the Holy Spirit in each life and church. And that I would maintain the posture of a servant and learner in this new role.