The work of church revitalization in the Diocese of Western Anglicans took a significant step forward this month as clergy and lay leaders from across the Arizona Deanery gathered for a regional Revive Weekend led by the American Anglican Council’s Anglican Revitalization Ministries (ARM). The gathering marked the first in a series of deanery-wide Revive efforts initiated by Bishop Phil Ashey, with additional weekends planned for San Diego and Los Angeles later this spring.
Hosted in the Phoenix area, the weekend brought together leaders from four congregations: Christ Church Anglican (Phoenix), Living Faith Anglican (Tempe), King’s Cross Anglican (Tucson), and Christ the Redeemer (Yuma). Over two days, participants engaged in teaching, worship, and collaborative planning aimed at strengthening the health and mission of their churches.
The weekend began Friday evening with a clear and foundational emphasis: there is no revitalization without renewal. Through teaching, worship, and intentional time in prayer, leaders were invited to step back from strategies and programs and instead focus on spiritual renewal, dependence on the Holy Spirit as the source of lasting transformation in the life of the Church. That emphasis carried into Saturday’s sessions, where the focus shifted toward vision, church health, and leading change faithfully. Canon Mark Eldredge guided participants through key principles of revitalization, offering both theological grounding and practical frameworks. Leaders then gathered in church-based groups to reflect on their own congregational contexts, discussing how these principles could be applied in tangible ways.
For many, the weekend offered both clarity and encouragement. “This was a real gift to our church,” said the Rev. Chase Campbell, rector of Christ Church Anglican in Phoenix. “Canon Mark helped us see with fresh eyes the natural rhythms of growth and decline in the life of a church, while also giving us hope for how to move forward faithfully. He reminded us that the work of renewal is not something we manufacture on our own, but something we pursue by God’s grace, in dependence upon the Holy Spirit, for the sake of Christ’s Kingdom. We learned a great deal and were encouraged in very practical ways.”
The Revive Weekend is not a one-time event, but the beginning of an ongoing process. In the months ahead, participating churches will engage in a six-month coaching cohort designed to support continued growth and implementation. As part of this effort, each congregation will also benefit from a “secret guest” process, in which trained visitors provide honest, outside feedback on hospitality, first impressions, and overall congregational experience. To ensure long-term sustainability, Bishop Ashey has also identified the Rev. Bob Fabe as a revitalization champion within the diocese. During the coaching process, he will work closely with Canon Eldredge, who will equip him to continue guiding churches in this work beyond the initial cohort. Reflecting on the weekend, Canon Eldredge expressed confidence in the leaders and congregations involved. “These churches are served by strong and faithful leaders,” he said. “and I am hopeful that, as they lean into this process, they’ll flourish and grow in health, mission, and their witness to the Gospel.”
The weekend concluded on Sunday at Christ Church Anglican, Phoenix, where Canon Eldredge preached to a full congregation gathered for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Drawing on the missionary example of St. Patrick, he called the church to renewed commitment to the Gospel, “to take the light of Christ to those who are wandering in darkness and error.” The message resonated deeply, reinforcing the weekend’s central theme: that renewal fuels mission. Following the service, Canon Eldredge also met with the parish’s men’s group, sharing updates on the work of the American Anglican Council and recent developments from the GAFCON gathering in Abuja.
As the first of three planned deanery Revive weekends, the Arizona gathering offers a hopeful glimpse of what sustained investment in renewal and revitalization can produce. With continued coaching, shared learning, and strong episcopal support, these congregations are now positioned to move forward together, pursuing health, growth, and faithful witness in their communities.
If you are a church leader or serve on a vestry or leadership team and are seeking greater health, clarity of vision, or renewed mission in your congregation, Anglican Revitalization Ministries is here to help. Canon Mark Eldredge offers free initial consultations to begin discerning next steps tailored to your church’s context. To learn more or schedule a conversation, visit www.churchrevive.org and take the first step toward renewal and revitalization.