Confessions of a Rector’s Warden

One Monday evening this spring, I was walking around our house feeling like I had forgotten something important. Our anniversary? No, that isn’t until June. A big game on TV? No, March Madness ended in, well, April. “Still reading” an overdue library book? Ah, maybe.

Then it hit me: this was the first time in six years that I wasn’t in a Vestry meeting on the second Monday of the month. You see, from 2020 through 2026 I was Rector’s Warden at Church of the Good Samaritan in Paoli, PA. I know that sounds like I ran a prison (no comments please!), but in Episcopal-speak the Rector is the Senior Pastor, the Vestry is the church Board, and the Rector’s Warden is Chair of the Vestry.

During that time, I worked behind the scenes with two Rectors, and two Priests in Charge (aka Interim Pastors), led a Rector search process, facilitated the work and meetings of the Vestry, and lived through a global pandemic. That’s a lot!

Confessions of a Former Rector’s Warden

Now that I’ve rotated off, I’ve had time to reflect on my experiences. So, I’d like to “confess” some things I learned that may be helpful to you, personally and in your own church.

1. I learned that God’s call can make life harder, not easier. Throughout my career I held leadership positions at Prison Fellowship, Scripture Union, and American Bible Society. Then in 2019 I attended a Men’s Retreat at our church. As I walked the trails between sessions, God began prompting me: Move away from the parachurch and toward the local church. So, when I was asked to be Rector’s Warden, I believed it was a continuation of that prompting. But here’s the surprise. I assumed that because God prompted me, things would be smooth. I was wrong. There were times when I felt God was silent, the church was about to crash, and it would be all my fault! I’ve often asked God to deepen my walk with him. But I discovered sometimes that begins when he redirects us onto a rough, uncertain road—where the only way forward is to trust him more.

   
   

2. I learned how difficult it is to be a Pastor. It’s natural to assume that what your Pastor does is stand up front and lead worship. That’s only part of it. I learned that in our church, Rector is not only the spiritual leader of a growing church, but also, he or she is the chief executive of a $4 million organization with a Day School and a large campus. Plus, everyone has an opinion on how it should go! The past six years gave me a new appreciation for the ministry of all Pastors, across all denominations, and I invite you to join me in praying that God will “bless the work of their hands.”[1]

3. I softened my view of our denomination. For years, our church has had a cautious relationship with the Episcopal Church. Candidly, I questioned some of their theological positions and use of funds. But as Rector’s Warden, I had the opportunity to work more closely with our Bishop, Daniel Gutierrez, and I discovered he is a faithful spiritual shepherd and an effective executive leader. I still can’t say I agree with everything the Episcopal Church does—but that would be true in any denomination. Yet, on the most important issue—the centrality of Jesus Christ—we are on the same page. Plus, Bishop Gutierrez welcomes and shares our local church’s evangelical perspective. I now pray regularly for him and encourage you to do the same for your denominational leaders.

4. I discovered that churches have problems, too. I know what you’re thinking: “Problems…at my church? No way!” But the New Testament Epistles show that problems have been part of church life since day one. Why? Because a local church combines theology, people, and money—a guaranteed recipe for conflict. As Rector’s Warden, I learned that one of my most important tasks was “the ministry of problem solving.” I wonder what would happen if everyone embraced the ministry of problem-solving? What if the next time something bothered you about your church, you asked, “How could I respond in a way that promotes the good news of Jesus Christ?"

5. I learned that sometimes weakness is a strength. When I became Rector's Warden, I assumed my decades of Board experience would prepare me for the Vestry. Wrong again. At my lowest point, I felt overwhelmed by church issues, was unable to sleep, and I didn’t want anyone to know. Finally, I shared my struggle at a Vestry meeting. They stopped, laid hands on me, and prayed. I discovered that being open about my inability is what prepared the way for God to do things I never could have done. As Hudson Taylor the great missionary to China once said when asked about the secret to his success, “I guess God was looking for someone weak enough to use, and he found me.”

Today, Church of Good Samaritan is large, active and growing—unique among Episcopal churches. But the reason has little to do with me. Rather, as we’ve focused on the basics of the faith—Jesus Christ and God’s Word—God has been working out his purposes through all the challenges and changes. As psalmist said, “Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.”[2] May God open your eyes to how he’s doing the same in your church.

[1] Psalm 90:17

[2] Psalm 77:19

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