Introduction
“Healthy leadership requires more than efficient administration; it requires learning who we are becoming together in Christ.”
“Fr. Andrew, don’t throw that idea away. Keep working on it.”
Bud, who was then the Senior Warden, said those words with genuine enthusiasm as we finished lunch during one of our last one-on-one meetings together. Throughout the conversation, I had been sketching what I called my “fantasy church” on a paper napkin. My pen struggled to keep up with my imagination. The drawing was filled with circles, arrows, and barely legible notes connecting one idea to another, looking more like a football coach’s playbook than a church plan.
That lunch conversation stayed with me. Over the years, the vision continued to evolve—not because it was mine alone, but because generations of vestry members helped test it, question it, refine it, and gradually bring it to life. The vestry formation shared in these pages is one fruit of that collaborative journey at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
One conviction surfaced again and again throughout those years: vestry work must be more than management meetings.
Business decisions matter. Faithful stewardship matters. Buildings, budgets, and policies all deserve thoughtful attention. Yet none of these, by themselves, sustain the vocation of Christian leadership. Without intentional spiritual formation, vestry meetings can easily become life-draining because they focus primarily on solving problems and making decisions. We naturally celebrate successful events, but we often lack the space to reflect faithfully on disappointments, disagreements, or failures. Healthy leadership requires more than efficient administration; it requires learning who we are becoming together in Christ.
I first experienced this kind of formation in seminary. While classroom learning was important, it was only one part of our education. Daily prayer, worship, shared meals, theological conversations, friendships, and serving alongside one another shaped our vocation as deeply as any lecture or textbook. Seminary was not simply preparing us to do ministry; it was forming us to become ministers together.
Years later, I noticed something similar at St. Paul’s when several vestry members also participated in the Education for Ministry (EfM) program. Our conversations gradually sounded less like committee meetings and more like theological reflection. We still discussed budgets and buildings, but we also began asking deeper questions: Where is God at work among us? What is the Holy Spirit teaching us through this challenge? How is this decision shaping our common life? The quality of our teamwork changed, and so did the spirit in which we served together.
Inspired by those experiences, we eventually organized our three-year vestry term around a pattern of formation, borrowing the familiar language of seminary: Junior, Middler, and Senior classes. Each class gathers six times a year, outside the regular monthly vestry meeting, to share dinner, pray together, study Scripture and the Christian tradition, and reflect on leadership as a spiritual vocation. Each year’s curriculum has its own emphasis, but together they seek to deepen our understanding of the faith we have received, strengthen our life together as the Body of Christ, and nurture our trust in the Holy Spirit as we lead the Church.
This guide is the result of years of listening, experimenting, revising, and learning together. I remain deeply grateful to the vestry members of St. Paul’s who were willing to listen to an unfinished dream, challenge it, improve it, and ultimately embody it. What began as a sketch on a paper napkin became a shared vision because faithful people were willing to grow together.
It is our hope that this formation will encourage your vestry to discover the same joy we have found: that leadership in Christ’s Church is not merely about governing well, but about becoming faithful disciples together.
Andrew+
Junior Year – Learn
Rooted to Lead
An Old Testament Journey into Faithful Leadership
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
Session 1 — Creation & Calling
Genesis 1–2
Big Idea: Leadership begins with identity, not strategy.
Before we do, we remember who we are.
Texts
- Genesis 1:26–28 (Image of God & stewardship)
- Genesis 2:15 (“to till and keep” — stewardship and care)
Leadership Lens
- Vestry leadership is stewardship, not ownership.
- We are caretakers of something that belongs to God.
Dinner Discussion
- Where do you feel most “at home” at St. Paul’s?
- What does it mean that the church is not ours, but God’s?
- What does “till and keep” look like in vestry decisions?
Practice Takeaway
Before major decisions, ask: “Are we protecting and cultivating what God has entrusted to us?”
Session 2 — Covenant & Community
Exodus 19–20
Big Idea: God forms a people before giving them a mission.
Texts
- Exodus 19:4–6 (“kingdom of priests”)
- Exodus 20:1–17 (Ten Commandments as relational boundaries)
Leadership Lens
- Vestry is covenantal leadership.
- Healthy boundaries protect mission and relationships.
Dinner Discussion
- What makes trust fragile in church leadership?
- How do boundaries create freedom?
- Where do we need clearer agreements?
Practice Takeaway
Healthy vestry leadership depends on shared covenant, not personal preference.
Session 3 — Shared Leadership in the Wilderness
Exodus 18 & Numbers 11
Big Idea: Burnout is not holy.
Texts
- Exodus 18:13–23 (Jethro advises Moses)
- Numbers 11:16–17 (Spirit shared among elders)
Leadership Lens
- Leadership must be shared.
- Delegation is spiritual, not administrative.
Dinner Discussion
- What drains energy in church leadership?
- Where are we carrying what others could carry?
- How do we share the Spirit’s work?
Practice Takeaway
If one person holds everything, the system is unhealthy.
Session 4 — Saul, David & the Heart of Leadership
1 Samuel 15–16
Big Idea: Character matters more than image.
Texts
- 1 Samuel 15:22 (“to obey is better than sacrifice”)
- 1 Samuel 16:7 (“the Lord looks on the heart”)
Leadership Lens
- Public success is not the same as faithfulness.
- Vestry leadership must guard against ego.
Dinner Discussion
- Where are leaders tempted to “look good” instead of be faithful?
- What does integrity look like in vestry work?
- How do we cultivate humility?
Practice Takeaway
Ask in decisions: “Is this faithful, or just impressive?”
Session 5 — Wisdom & Discernment
Proverbs & Solomon (1 Kings 3)
Big Idea: Leadership requires listening more than talking.
Texts
- 1 Kings 3:9 (Solomon asks for an understanding heart)
- Proverbs 3:5–6
Leadership Lens
- Vestry leadership requires discernment, not reaction.
- Wisdom is cultivated slowly.
Dinner Discussion
- What is the difference between a quick answer and wise discernment?
- How do we create space for listening?
- Where do we rush?
Practice Takeaway
Build pause into important decisions. Pray before reacting.
Session 6 — Exile, Lament & Hope
Jeremiah 29 & Psalm 137
Big Idea: Leadership includes seasons of loss and rebuilding.
Texts
- Psalm 137 (lament)
- Jeremiah 29:4–7 (“seek the welfare of the city”)
Leadership Lens
- Churches experience exile moments (decline, conflict, grief).
- Faithful leaders name pain without losing hope.
Dinner Discussion
- Where has St. Paul’s experienced “exile”?
- What does seeking the welfare of our city look like now?
- How do we lead with hope without denial?
Practice Takeaway
Name reality honestly. Lead toward hope intentionally.
Middler Year – Serve
The Towel and the Table
A New Testament Journey into Servanthood
“If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)
Session 1 — The Servant Lord
John 13:1–17
Big Idea: Service begins with Jesus.
Core Text
- Jesus washing the disciples’ feet
Formation Truth
Christian service is not status reduction — it is imitation of Christ.
Vestry Application
- Authority exists for others.
- Leadership posture = towel, not throne.
Dinner Questions
- What surprised you in this scene?
- Why did Peter resist?
- Where do we resist serving in small ways?
Practice
Before meetings this month, silently pray:
“Lord, where is my towel?”
Session 2 — The Mind of Christ
Philippians 2:1–11
Big Idea: Service flows from humility.
Core Text
- “Let the same mind be in you…”
Formation Truth
Service is not performance. It is self-giving love.
Vestry Application
- Yielding preferences
- Choosing unity over ego
- Disagreeing without division
Dinner Questions
- What does humility look like in church leadership?
- When is it hardest to empty ourselves?
Session 3 — Gifts for the Body
Romans 12:3–13
Big Idea: Service is diverse and communal.
Core Text
- “We have gifts that differ…”
Formation Truth
No one serves alone. No gift is small.
Vestry Application
- Not everyone leads the same way.
- Hospitality, administration, mercy, and generosity — all matter.
Dinner Questions
- What is your natural service instinct?
- Where does St. Paul’s need strengthening?
Practice
Affirm one other vestry member’s gift publicly this month.
Session 4 — Compassion in Action
Luke 10:25–37 (Good Samaritan)
Big Idea: Service crosses boundaries.
Formation Truth
The question is not “Who qualifies?” but “How can I be neighbor?”
Vestry Application
- Parish outreach
- Caring for aging members
- Engaging Louisville beyond comfort zones
Dinner Questions
- Who are the “unnoticed” at St. Paul’s?
- Where might fear prevent service?
Practice
Identify one person or group we might be overlooking.
Session 5 — Serving in Weakness
2 Corinthians 12:7–10
Big Idea: Service does not require strength.
Formation Truth
God works through weakness, not polish.
Vestry Application
- Serving while tired
- Leading through illness
- Admitting limits
Dinner Questions
- Where have you felt inadequate?
- What if weakness is not failure?
Practice
Name one limitation honestly instead of hiding it.
Session 6 — Sent into the World
Matthew 28:16–20 & Acts 1:8
Big Idea: Service is missional.
Formation Truth
We are not called to maintain an institution, but to bear witness.
Vestry Application
- Every ministry serves the Gospel.
- Service extends beyond Sunday.
Dinner Questions
- What does it mean to “go” in Louisville?
- How does vestry service empower parish mission?
Practice
Ask at the next decision:
“How does this help us make disciples?”
Senior Year – Lead
Stewards of the Flock
Guard the faith. Guide the people. Glorify Christ.
“So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
Session 1 — Called to Oversight
Acts 20:17–35 (Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesian Elders)
Big Idea
Leadership is vigilance rooted in love.
“Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock…”
Leadership Focus
- Oversight is spiritual, not merely structural.
- Leaders guard doctrine, unity, and mission.
- Watch yourselves first.
Vestry Application
- Protecting parish identity
- Monitoring health (financial, spiritual, relational)
- Self-examination
Leadership Practice
Ask quarterly:
“Where are we drifting?”
Session 2 — Above Reproach
1 Timothy 3:1–7
Big Idea
Leadership credibility precedes leadership authority.
Focus
- Integrity in private life
- Emotional steadiness
- Faithfulness over charisma
Vestry Application
- Personal conduct affects parish trust.
- Confidentiality and transparency matter.
Leadership Practice
Examine:
Is my life aligned with my public role?
Session 3 — Discernment in Council
Acts 15 (Council of Jerusalem)
Big Idea
Christian leadership discerns together.
“It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…”
Focus
- Debate without division
- Listening for the Spirit
- Making binding decisions in charity
Vestry Application
- Structured discernment before votes
- Prayerful silence
- Unity after decision
Leadership Practice
Before major votes:
1 minute of silence.
Then vote.
Session 4 — Leading Through Conflict
2 Corinthians 4:1–12
Big Idea
We do not lose heart.
Focus
- Criticism
- Fatigue
- Misunderstanding
Paul models resilience without defensiveness.
Vestry Application
- Handling parish criticism
- Not reacting impulsively
- Staying mission-focused
Leadership Practice
Respond slowly. Never email while reactive.
Session 5 — Courage & Conviction
Galatians 1:6–10
Big Idea
Faithfulness sometimes requires standing firm.
Focus
- Guarding the Gospel
- Not pleasing everyone
- Protecting the parish from drift
Vestry Application
- Theological clarity
- Mission clarity
- Not being driven by anxiety
Leadership Practice
Ask:
“Is this faithful — even if unpopular?”
Session 6 — Finishing Well
2 Timothy 4:6–8
Big Idea
Leadership is long obedience.
“I have fought the good fight…”
Focus
- Endurance
- Legacy
- Passing leadership well
Vestry Application
- Succession planning
- Mentoring Juniors & Middlers
- Leaving things healthier than we found them
Leadership Practice
Name one younger leader to encourage.