New emphasis on lay ministry
evident in creation of staff job

Hello! My name is Rick Govan, and I recently have joined the diocesan staff as lay ministry development director. To say that I am excited about this is an understatement. This is a new position for our diocese, and I am excited both personally and for our church in East Tennessee.
My wife, Lori, and I live on Signal Mountain and are communicants of St. Paul’s Church, where she serves on the vestry. I am a native Tennessean and a “cradle” Episcopalian.

Provident Life & Accident Insurance Co. was my employer for nearly thirty years. About four years ago, the “early retirement” offer was just too tempting to ignore, and I began the process of discerning what I should do with the second phase of my life. I needed something more significant. (This transition period is beautifully described in Bob Buford’s book, “Halftime.”)

During this time, I have participated in a great deal of church work. Lori and I co-chaired our parish’s Stewardship Campaign, and I began the EFM course of study. I’ve served as a Diocesan Convention delegate and chaired the diocesan Commission on Ministry. I’m honored to have been elected as a deputy from our diocese to this summer’s General Convention. Also, I began a new hobby – fly fishing!

The ministry of the laity is the essence of the church, and our diocese has traditionally placed a great deal of emphasis in this area. We are, indeed, doing a whole lot of good work in each of our worshiping communities because of lay ministry.

Going forward, we will build on our existing programs and begin to share more of our experiences with each other. Our church canons provide for licensing of specific ministries, to include Lay Preacher, Lay Pastoral Leader and Lay Catechist. We will develop mechanisms of discernment, training and licensing for these ministries.

This is only the beginning! When we speak of ministers of the church, our Catechism places first the ministry of the laity. I am delighted to be working in this very important area of our church, and I encourage your assistance.

My new office is at Grace Church in Chattanooga, where I have been so warmly welcomed. Please call (423- 698-1222), send an e-mail (rgovan@etdiocese.net) or stop by anytime.

– Rick Govan

For more news about Diocesan House and staff:

• Diocesan House, bookshop going west
• Importance of youth ministry affirmed as coordinator comes on board