A powerful sense of the Spirit’s presence, increased unity and a strategic vision for ministry were all hallmarks of the C4SO Leadership Retreat held February 26-28. More than 80 priests and deacons from the diocese’s four geographical hubs gathered at the Westin Hotel in Irving, Texas, to pledge ongoing commitment to their missionary diocese and Bishop Todd Hunter, as well as to strengthen relationships with one another.
At the last minute, inclement weather prevented speaker Dr. Richard Hays from attending the retreat, but attendees welcomed the opportunity to hear more in depth from Bishop Todd. In his opening session, the bishop discussed C4SO’s role in the province and how we can take our place as salt and light. He also described his storied past as a part of the Jesus movement and Wimber movement and how and why he eventually chose Anglicanism. He shared a passion for today’s missional imperatives: engaging culture in faithful, fruitful ways and helping others experience Christianity for their good. Bishop Todd then invited attendees to be his respected colleagues leading on the ground.
During the second session, Bishop Todd exhorted attendees to do ministry from a place of servant leadership built on a safe and security identity in Christ. He also unpacked the unique challenges and opportunities of today’s missional context. “Your vision must be executed through the mindset of a missionary,” he said. In the third session, he articulated a from-the-ground-up church planting model built on sound theological and philosophical presuppositions.
Finally, he gave a detailed breakdown of C4SO’s values and priorities inspired by the work of missiologists Roland Allen and Lesslie Newbigin. After each session, attendees broke into discussion groups to process the ideas they were hearing and pray together.
The Very Rev. Canon David Roseberry of Christ Church Plano and the Rev. Cliff Warner of Christ Church Austin served as emcees during the weekend, Eddie Kirkland of The Parish led worship, and various priests led morning / evening prayer and the workshops offered on Friday (“Six Aspects of a Healthy Spiritual Life” by Jay Fowler, “Practical Planting: From Cosmology to Mailchimp” by Shawn McCain and “The Word in Word and Table” by Tim Peck). Everyone enjoyed the warmth and camaraderie shared over meals, as well as hanging out during free time in the evenings. Bishop Todd welcomed several guests who were checking out C4SO from outside the Anglican church, and Bishops Phillip Jones and Clark Lowenfield paid a special visit on Friday afternoon.
During the retreat several inches of snow blanketed the DFW area, so leaders chose to move the ordination service planned for Saturday morning at Christ Church Plano to Friday evening in the hotel meeting room. The retreat concluded with a joyful, intimate service for the five men and women from Christ Church Plano ordained to the deaconate: Aaron Williams, Taylor Ishii, Markene Meyer, Sandra Rios-Doria and Gary Barnes.