This past weekend, clergy and lay leaders from across the San Diego Deanery of the Diocese of Western Anglicans gathered at Holy Spirit Anglican Church in San Diego for a Regional Revive focused on church health, revitalization, and faithful mission. Hosted by The Rev. Brian Hughes, rector of Holy Spirit and Dean of the San Diego Deanery, the gathering brought together five participating congregations: Branches of the Cross in Vista, Christ Church in Fallbrook, Christ the King in Poway, Grace Anglican in Oceanside, and Holy Spirit in San Diego.
What made this gathering especially encouraging was not simply the strong attendance, but the level of engagement throughout the day. Participants listened carefully to the Revive principles being taught and spent significant time discussing how those principles could be applied within their own congregational contexts. Each church remained gathered around its own table during the event, creating space for honest conversation, practical reflection, and collaborative planning. There was a clear sense that leaders were not merely collecting ideas, but discerning together how to pursue healthier patterns of ministry in their local churches.
I was grateful to teach alongside Dean Bob Fabey, who led one of the sessions during the day. Dean Bob is Bp. Phil Ashey’s point person for church health and revitalization, and he will continue helping congregations throughout the Diocese. Part of the purpose of this Regional Revive was to continue training and equipping him in the Revive process so that this work can expand and continue for years to come.
That multiplication matters deeply. One of the healthiest things we can do is invest not only in churches directly, but also in leaders who can coach, encourage, and guide other churches over time. In many ways, this is a “coaching the coaches” model, helping create sustainable revitalization leadership within a diocese rather than dependence on one-time events or outside voices.
Bishop Phil and Julie Ashey were also present throughout the gathering, which served as a tremendous encouragement to clergy and lay leaders alike. Their presence communicated support for the work being done and reinforced the Diocese’s commitment to cultivating healthy churches and spiritually healthy leaders.
An important part of the day also focused on what happens after a Revive gathering ends. Brian Pape greeted participants through a video presentation explaining the coaching cohort that will follow this event. That follow-up process is essential to the long-term impact of Revive. Church revitalization does not happen through quick fixes, programs, or silver bullets. Healthy renewal takes prayer, perseverance, honesty, and ongoing support. Coaching cohorts provide churches with continued encouragement, accountability, and practical guidance as they work through the challenges of ministry together.
By the end of the day, there was a growing sense of hopefulness across the room, the steady encouragement that comes when leaders gather with humility, clarity, and a renewed commitment to Christ’s mission in their local communities. It was a deeply encouraging time, and I am grateful for the partnership and hospitality of the San Diego Deanery as this important work continues.
