Official Diocesan Blog

Dear Members of the Diocese,

After 2 years of observing, listening, praying and testing lots of hypothesis, I'm making some changes to the Diocesan Staff that I believe will allow us to better serve the clergy and congregations of the Diocese.

Congregations (and even small groups within congregations) have 6 basic ministry dynamics: worship/prayer, evangelism/mission, discipleship, pastoral/mutual care, communication, and administration. Therefore, I am structuring diocesan staffing around these 6 ministry dynamics. 

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

The Reformers consistently emphasized the biblical teaching that Christ’s work on the Cross is complete. We can add nothing to what He accomplished through His sacrifice of Himself on our behalf. As we say in our liturgy, “He made there, by his one oblation of himself once offered, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world.” This emphasis on the finished work of Christ on the Cross has led some to think mistakenly that Christ’s work is finished altogether.

I am deeply committed to church planting. I believe it is the best way to reach people with Jesus’ love. I want to see church planting become normative in this diocese and in the ACNA. But, I wasn’t always an advocate.

How important is coaching for leaders in ministry? Research shows that five disciplines make a huge difference in the success rate of a church plant (and, by extension, parish ministry): vocational discernment, training, support (personal and financial), coaching, and risk assessment. The first three increased the likelihood of success in planting significantly. But, coaching took it to a new level.

Pastor: The Rev. Chance Perdue

TM: How long have you been a part of the Diocese?
CP: 6 years

As we continue to move forward as a diocese, the Lord has provided two gifted leaders. I have asked the Rev. Tracey Russell to serve as Canon for Youth Ministry and the Rev. Joanne Martin to serve as Deacon for Special Projects.

As Canon for Youth Ministry, Canon Tracey will support youth ministers, strengthen our youth ministry network, and help develop diocesan youth events that provide contexts for encounter with Christ and for growing as disciples. 

(This statement is also posted on the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh's website.)

On Thursday, February 15, 2018, an EF-1 Tornado touched down in Uniontown, PA. One of our churches in the area, St. Peter's Parish Church has sprung into action. Here is a report recently sent us by the church's Rector, The. Rev. John Cruikshank:

As I reflect on my ordination to the priesthood, I feel destined to underwhelm expectations given the caliber and amount of support I’ve received personally and in my call to ordained ministry.  Under Archbishop Duncan and Canon Mary Hayes I discerned a call to ministry through Shepherd’s Heart Church in Pittsburgh sponsored by the Rev.