Transition

A Time of Transition

We are pleased to report that the Rev. Ronald D. Pogue has been called to serve as the Interim Rector at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Ron’s first Sunday with us will be October 3, 2010. Fr. Pogue will follow the Rev. Robert L. Sessum who retired after serving as Rector of Good Shepherd for almost 17 years.

For the past year, Rev. Pogue has served as Interim Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Lawrence, Kansas. Prior that that, he served for ten years as Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Galveston, Texas and three years as Canon Missioner at Houston’s Christ Church Cathedral. Prior to ordination in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas as Deacon in 1997 and Priest in 1998, Ron was a United Methodist Pastor for 25 years.

A native of Houston, Ron holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston, a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Houston Graduate School of Theology. He is also trained and certified in transitional ministry by the Interim Ministry Network. His emphasis in ministry has been in stewardship, Christian formation and evangelism. He has been a leader in the church’s response to social concerns and advocacy for marginalized people in our society, including refugees and homeless persons.

As Interim at Trinity Church in Lawrence, Ron’s focus was strengthening the church community and enhancing parish communications using a variety of technological resources. In Galveston, he was the spiritual leader of a diverse parish. He also spearheaded a dual capital campaign to raise three million dollars for the church and school.

In describing his personal mission, Ron stated, “I am called to foster hope, lead change, inspire action and glorify God in the service of the Gospel of Christ, for the building up of the Church, and for the sake of the world.”

Ron is the creator and administrator of Unapologetically Episcopalian, a Facebook page devoted to celebrating the many positive ways the Episcopal Church is spreading the gospel. He also maintains www.e-piphanies.com, a blog devoted to glimpses into God at work in our lives.

Ron and his wife, Gay, have been married for forty-one years. Gay who recently retired from teaching, is a writer and artist. They are the parents of two grown sons. Join us in welcoming Ron and Gay to Good Shepherd.