Canon Mark had a very full day today, from helping to run a Provincial Council workshop on leadership to being elected onto the ACNA Executive Committee. The American Anglican Council was well-represented, both through Canon Mark’s work at Council and Bishop Phil Ashey’s continuing work in and with the College of Bishops, along with Canon Andrew Rowell’s continuing work with the ACNA Governance Taskforce and the presentations on changes to the canons.
One of the Council workshops was on Developing Healthy Leaders, and was a partnership between Canon Mark, representing the AAC, and Dr. Alex Fogleman, representing Trinity Anglican Seminary and the Anglican Formation Network. Canon Mark spoke first; Dr Alex spoke second, and each outlined the vision and goals of the ministries they represent and shared how both seminarian formation and church revitalization go hand-in-hand. If there is healthy training and teaching when ordinands are starting out, there will be longer-term health as they build and grow their churches once they’re out on the field.
Dr. Alex presented the Anglican Formation Network at Trinity Anglican Seminary, first outlining the current challenges in the province, from the different formation programs depending on jurisdiction, to educational fragmentation at different Episcopal and Anglican schools, and a lack of pastoral friendship among the newly ordained. Their vision is to network seminarians and seminaries to create a cohesive and comprehensive journey of leadership training and theological study for the ACNA, especially by working with diocesan institutes, provincial leadership, and Anglican centers of study.
Canon Mark talked about how the American Anglican Council (AAC) brings leadership development through focusing on the hearts and hands of pastoral leadership. The AAC serves the heart of ministry through spiritual formation and fellowship in Clergy Care Groups, led by the Rev. Geoff Chapman, and the hands of ministry through our various resources from Anglican Revitalization Ministries and Anglican Governance Ministries. These resources are for seminarians, new pastors, experienced ministers, long-time rectors, and diocesan leaders, so that healthy leadership can be encouraged and equipped at every level of the Church. The AAC’s goal is to come alongside the province to provide the help where it is needed in order to bring that health to those who are doing the work of the Gospel.
After these workshops, the Council’s business meeting began, with all voting delegates seated. One of those votes was to choose who gets to be on the ACNA Executive Committee, something Canon Mark was nominated for. The AAC is happy to announce he was elected! In addition, the other clergy member elected is the Rev. Canon Dr. Keith Allen, from the Gulf Atlantic Diocese. There were also two lay members chosen, Dr. Barbara Gauthier, a long-time friend of the AAC, and Mrs. Sarah Kwolek. This group is elected to function as the Board of Directors for the ACNA and is responsible for preparing the budget, overseeing administration, and setting the agenda for the Provincial Council’s business. The committee also includes ex officio members, such as the Province’s officers. Please keep Canon Mark and the other new Executive Committee members in your prayers as they continue the work of the Province throughout the coming year.
