The Standing Committee is the Bishop’s counterpart and advisory body providing a check and balance on the Bishop’s authority and also giving the Bishop the benefit of its council.
- Made up of four priests and four laypersons;
- Nominations welcome from throughout the diocese;
- Self-nomination is permitted;
- Elected by the Diocesan Annual Convention in a concurrent vote by orders;
- Two-year terms, with a limit of three consecutive terms.
The Standing Committee becomes the Ecclesiastical Authority in the absence or incapacitation of the Bishop. It also has final approval of applications for candidacy and ordinations, consents to episcopal elections, and property sales of diocesan or parochial properties.
Standing Committee Members
Clergy Members
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Lee’s Summit (Central Deanery)
Elected to Standing Committee in 2024. 1st two year term.
Involvement at a Church Level
- Rector, St. Paul’s – Lee’s Summit, 2021 – present
- Ministry Developer, Episcopal Churches of the Ozarks regional ministry, 2012 – 2019
- Supply Priest, Diocese of Ely and Diocese of St. Edmundsbury and Ipswich, Church of England, 2009 – 2011
- Priest-in-Charge, St. Stephen’s – Wichita Falls, TX and St. John the Evangelist – Burkburnett, TX, 2004 – 2008
- Vicar/Rector, St. George – Camdenton, 1997 – 2004
- Holy Spirit Episcopal Church – Kansas City, 2001 – 1997
- All Saints Episcopal Church – Kansas City, 1973 – 2001
Involvement at Deanery and Diocesan Levels
- Dean of Central Deanery/Diocesan Council/Finance Committee, 2023 – present
- Commission on Ministry, 2022 – present
- Liturgy and Music Commission, 2022 – present
- Diocesan Chaplain to Daughters of the King, 2018 – present
Involvement at a Provincial/General Church Level
- General Convention Deputy – 2018
Additional Comments
I was ordained a priest of the Diocese of West Missouri in 1997, and though I have not served within the diocese my entire career as a priest, I have always been a priest of this diocese. As a nearly lifelong member of the diocese, I bring history and personal experience which I believe is useful when combined with the new and fresh ideas of younger members, both clergy and lay. I am devoted to this diocese and want to see it move forward in growth, preserved tradition and renewed dedication to our Lord, in life and ministry.
St. James Episcopal Church, Springfield (Southern Deanery)
Elected to Standing Committee in 2024. 1st two year term.
Involvement at a Church Level
- Rector – St. James, Springfield: 2023 – present
- Vicar – St. Luke’s, Excelsior Springs: 2021 – 2023
- Curate – Redeemer, Kansas City: 2021 – 2023
Involvement at Deanery and Diocesan Levels
- Current: Special Budget Committee, Finance Committee, Stewardship Commission, Youth Ministry Commission, Communications Committee
- 2023 – 2024: Bishop Search Committee
- 2021 – 2023: Dean – Central Deanery
- 2021 – 2023: Diocesan Council
Involvement at a Provincial/General Church Level
- 2024: Deputy to the 81st General Convention
Christ Episcopal Church, Warrensburg (Central Deanery)
Elected to Standing Committee in 2023. 1st two-year term.
Involvement on a Church Level
- Priest-in-Charge
- Hospital Chaplain
Involvement on a Deanery Council/Diocesan Level
- Diocesan Council (2018)
- Standing Committee (2015)
- Board of Examining Chaplains (2012 – Present)
Involvement on a Provincial/General Church Level
- None
Additional Comments
“Active Ministries for 32 years, diversity minded, and a great listener.”
Lay Members
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City (Northwest-Metro Deanery)
Elected to the Standing Committee in 2023. 3rd two-year term. Elected as General Convention Deputy to GC81 in 2022.
Involvement on a Church Level
- Choir Member (Present at St. Paul’s and Prior at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral)
- Eucharistic Minister (Present)
- Lector (Present)
- Acolyte (Prior)
- Vestry Member (Present at St. Paul’s and Prior terms at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral)
- Young Adult Ministry Events Coordination (Present at St. Paul’s and Prior at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral)
- Community Outreach Volunteer (Present)
- Cathedral Youth Minister (Prior)
- Congregational Instagram/Social Media Content Creator (Prior)
- Member of Cathedral Committees and Task Forces (Prior)
- Advisor for Cathedral building projects (Diocesan Close Renovation)
Involvement on a Deanery Council/Diocesan Level
- Standing Committee Member
- Deanery Secretary (Former)
- Diocesan Council Member (Former)
- Regular Volunteer for Regional and Diocesan Youth Ministry
- Interim Regional Youth Ministry Coordinator (2018)
Involvement on a Provincial/General Church Level
- Regular attendee of Episcopal Church training and conferences such as FORMA
- West Missouri Deputy to the 80th General Convention of the Episcopal Church
- Member of the Dispatch of Business committee for the 80th General Convention of the Episcopal Church
- West Missouri representative to the Provincial Youth Network (2003-2007)
- General Convention Official Youth Presence representative for Province VII (2006)
Additional Comments
“Serving the Diocese and our wider Church across the many roles listed above has been an honor. I am excited about the ongoing work of the Church and West Missouri’s place in that work. I am deeply passionate about our Diocese; the people that make it up, each individual congregation, and all of its vibrant ministries. I’m excited about the possibility of continuing in this important work if re-elected to serve on the Standing Committee.”
Christ Episcopal Church, Springfield (Southern Deanery)
Elected to Standing Committee in 2024. 3rd two year term.
List your involvement at a Church Level
- Christ Church Vestry: 2001 – 2007, 2012 – 2018
- Senior Warden: 2013 – 2018
- Chair of Parish Council: 2015 – 2018
- Co-Chair of Parish “Ripe for the Harvest” program: 2013 – 2014
- EfM Graduate: 2011 – 2015
- Volunteer at Center City Christian Outreach Well of Life Food Pantry: 2012 – 2017
- DOK: Member 2013 – present; Treasurer 2019 – 2023; President 2023 – present
- Chairman of 2 Congregation Discernment Committees: 2001 & 2013
- Stewardship Committee Chair: 2005 – 2006
- Member of 2 Youth Minister Search Committees
- Coordinated Congregational Mediation Process: 2016
- Women’s Bible Study Facilitator: 2022 – present
- Rector Search Committee: 2022 – 2023
List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan Levels
- Diocesan Council: 2015 – 2019
- Member of Development Committee for the South Youth Network: 2013 – 2015
- Southern Deanery Council: 2012- present
- Bishop Day Conferences
- Delegate to Diocesan Convention: 2012 – present
- Standing Committee: 2020 – present
Involvement at a Provincial/General Church Level
- N/A
Additional Comments
I am a retired High School Counselor, and I have been an Episcopalian since I was a young child at Trinity Episcopal Church in Tulsa, OK. We have attended Christ Church, Springfield for nearly 40 years. Over the years, my family has received many blessings for which I am very grateful. I feel that my six-year (twice) experience on the Vestry and serving as Senior Warden for five at Christ Church and on the Diocesan Council have given me insight to the issues and opportunities The Diocese of West Missouri will be facing in the future. My continuing service on the Standing Committee would provide continuity to the SC especially during the election and beginning of the episcopacy of the Ninth Bishop Diocesan of West Missouri.
