Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Winter 2015 Issue | Page 8

In Their Own Words
We asked several members of diocesan governance groups to respond to some
questions about their roles in the Diocese of Virginia.
How were you called to your work in diocesan leadership?
What have been the greatest challenges and rewards of your ministry?

The Rev. Jeff Shankles

Helen Spence

St. Alban’s, Annandale
Dean of Region VIII

I’ve held a variety of leadership
roles in my careers prior to the
priesthood – platoon sergeant in
the U.S. Army, network hardware
installation team leader, lead
programmer and data center manager.
Being a leader, whether in the Church
or in the secular world, adds an extra
dimension to our call to be good
stewards. In every leadership role I
have held, the most important and
rewarding aspect of the work has been
helping people discover abilities and
gifts they didn’t know they had, and
then working with them to expand on
those gifts and bring them to fruition.
The challenge of leadership is being a
supportive presence and, at the same
time, resisting the temptation to take
over a task I have assigned because “I
can do it better,” or worse, “they’re not
doing it the way I like.”

Serving as a leader in the Diocese
of Virginia is truly a wonderful
experience. I am grateful for those who
take on leadership roles in the Diocese,
especially those at the diocesan offices
at Mayo House, and their willingness to
exercise their gift of leadership to build
up the Church and to further the work
of the Gospel. Everyone I have worked
with in this Diocese is passionate about
the work they are doing, their calling
and their vocation.

St. Christopher’s, Springfield
President of Region VII

I was raised in the Episcopal
Church. My paternal grandmother
played the organ, my father was an
acolyte and active in the choir. My
mother was involved in Episcopal
Church Women and the Altar Guild.
When I entered high school, I began
teaching Sunday school singing in the
choir.

When my sons graduated, I began
to refocus on church work – and was
asked to be delegate to diocesan
Council. This was my first chance to
explore my call beyond the walls of my
parish. I began with Region VII – where
I have served as treasurer, Executive
Board member and now president.
I serve on the diocesan Stewardship
Committee, the Budget Committee at
Council, and am privileged to be a lay
deputy to General Convention 2015.

In serving the Diocese, whether
I lead or follow, I feel as though I am
using my gifts to give back to the Giver.
I have met so many wonderful people,
both paid professionals and volunteers
like myself. The surprise has been that
whenever God calls me, there are new
things I learn about myself and my
capabilities – and new ways to serve. I
am grateful to have the opportunity.

Bishop Suffragan: Elected by a diocese to assist the
diocesan bishop
Before Becoming Bishop in Virginia: Served as a priest and
chaplain in the Diocese of Virginia, then as canon to the
ordinary on diocesan staff

Virginia Episcopalian / WINTER 2015

On Lay Leaders
“f leadership and
I
ministry are about only
the ordained, they are by
definition incomplete and
will always fall short.”
–Bishop Johnston

“ aity have the broadest
L
reach for evangelism, for
Christian formation, for
outreach, for hands-on
service ministry, than any
other order of ministry.”
–Bishop Goff

“ he churches where
T
life is fun are where
the congregation and
the priest share that
missional vision and are
doing it together: That’s
where it’s vital.”
–Bishop Gulick

In Their Own Words continued on page 9

Our Bishops at a Glance
The Rt. Rev. Susan E. Goff

6

Bishop Johnston celebrates
an ordination to the
diaconate.

Ordained:

May 1981
Consecrated as Bishop:

July 2012