Transition Leadership

The Rector Nominating CommitteeAt its February 2011 retreat, the Vestry appointed a slate of nine parishioners to serve as the Rector Nominating Committee. They were chosen from a pool of 20 individuals who had applied. The committee includes:

• Winn Stephens (Vestry), Convenor
  
• Sarah Leer (Vestry), Co-Convenor
• Lee Jenkins, Secretary  Barbara Groves
• Wilson Eastland
• Lauren Goodpaster
• Aaron Rodocker
• Winn Stephens (Vestry)
• George VanMeter
• David Young

A Time of Transition

We are pleased to report that the Rev. Ronald D. Pogue has been called to serve as the Interim Rector at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Ron’s first Sunday with us was October 3, 2010. Fr. Pogue will follow the Rev. Robert L. Sessum who retired after serving as Rector of Good Shepherd for almost 17 years.

For the past year, Rev. Pogue has served as Interim Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Lawrence, Kansas. Prior that that, he served for ten years as Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Galveston, Texas and three years as Canon Missioner at Houston’s Christ Church Cathedral. Prior to ordination in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas as Deacon in 1997 and Priest in 1998, Ron was a United Methodist Pastor for 25 years.

A native of Houston, Ron holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston, a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Houston Graduate School of Theology. He is also trained and certified in transitional ministry by the Interim Ministry Network. His emphasis in ministry has been in stewardship, Christian formation and evangelism. He has been a leader in the church’s response to social concerns and advocacy for marginalized people in our society, including refugees and homeless persons.

As Interim at Trinity Church in Lawrence, Ron’s focus was strengthening the church community and enhancing parish communications using a variety of technological resources. In Galveston, he was the spiritual leader of a diverse parish. He also spearheaded a dual capital campaign to raise three million dollars for the church and school.

In describing his personal mission, Ron stated, “I am called to foster hope, lead change, inspire action and glorify God in the service of the Gospel of Christ, for the building up of the Church, and for the sake of the world.”

Ron is the creator and administrator of Unapologetically Episcopalian, a Facebook page devoted to celebrating the many positive ways the Episcopal Church is spreading the gospel. He also maintains www.e-piphanies.com, a blog devoted to glimpses into God at work in our lives.

Ron and his wife, Gay, have been married for forty-one years. Gay who recently retired from teaching, is a writer and artist. They are the parents of two grown sons.  Join us in welcoming Ron and Gay to Good Shepherd.     

Seeking a New Rector

The Church of the Good Shepherd is actively seeking a new rector to lead our thriving parish as we worship God, proclaim the Gospel, care for one another and serve others.  In order to overcome our challenges and reach our goals, we strive to find a rector who is ready and eager to join our clergy, staff, lay leadership and parish family as we grow together.  Specifically, we are searching for a rector with the following skills:

• Effective manager who will lead the staff and parish as we transition our parish to a resource/corporate-sized church;
• Skilled fundraiser to lead us through our stewardship campaigns and capital projects and who understands the importance of fiscal responsibility;
• Excellent communicator who will empower and encourage lay leadership;
• Engaged community member who recognizes the importance of an active parish within the local community and beyond;
• Strong preacher who is rooted in Anglican tradition but who can make the scripture relevant in today’s world.

We encourage all interested candidates to learn more about our historic and vibrant parish by visiting the links below.  After learning more about Good Shepherd, if you feel called to accept this challenge and opportunity, we invite you to submit your nomination by sending  your name through a cover letter, resume, CDO’s and OTM’s to the Diocesan Transition Office. 

Nomination Form

Parish Information

• History
• Worship Services
• Christian Formation 
• Music Program
• Leadership
• Vestry Minutes & Financial Statements
• 2010 Annual Report
• The Shepherd's Voice (Newsletter)

The Bluegrass Region

• Lexington-Bluegrass Association of Realtors 
• Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce