Broad church.

St. Stephen and the Incarnation (SSI) has a long history of social justice and advocacy.  The parish continues to be attractive to young adults moving to the Washington area who become active immediately upon realizing that there are many opportunities to serve the neighboring community and the community at-large.

SSI also has a history of strong lay leadership both in liturgical service and in parish governance.

SSI is located in an area of Washington, DC that is undergoing greater gentrification and consequently is positioned to discover the needs of this burgeoning community and fulfill those needs in creative and innovative ways.

St. Stephen and the Incarnation (SSI) adopted a non-traditional governance structure during a previous episcopate.  This structure was composed of a "three-legged stool" including: a Senior Priest, Vestry, and Parish Administrator.  While this structure was effective in past years, new leadership and administrative tasks revealed challenges that became difficult to manage.  Consequently, the parish has experienced hurt and pain in several areas.

The Support Clergy team coupled with lay leaders are working diligently to address and manage the current emotional environment.

This position will require clergy who has skills in conflict mediation, pastoral care, administration, and a keen knowledge of Episcopal polity.  SSI has a Spanish-speaking congregation (Misa Alegria) that meets on Sunday afternoon; so being bi-lingual and bi-cultural would be a great benefit; but as this is an Intentional Interim position, there could be arrangements set such that the needs of Misa Alegria could be met through creative staffing of current staffed clergy and other support clergy from the diocese.

The Rev. Dr. Robert T. Phillips

Canon for Leadership Development and Congregational Care

Diocese of Washington

rphillips@edow.org