As part of an ongoing search, the Rev. Amy Chambers Cortright has been named Missioner for Congregational Vitality – Congregational Systems for the Episcopal Diocese of Texas.
Cortright, most recently rector of St. John’s in St. Louis, Missouri, will begin the new position in January 2020. The position will focus on building healthy, vibrant congregations through a number of coaching projects and peer-learning cohorts.
“Amy’s unique skillset adds to the wealth of expertise on our existing Mission Amplification team. I look forward to her contributions as they realize successes in both their short- and long-term goals,” said the Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, Bishop of Texas.
The Mission Amplification team is charged with the support and coaching of 156 existing congregations, nine churches planted in the past three years, five campus mission hubs, and nine other campus missions. The team continues to plant new congregations and missional communities.
At St. John’s, Cortright began a successful shift from a Vestry administrative culture to a missional and spiritual leadership culture, looking equally within the parish and outside of its walls. She also concluded the first comprehensive and successful full 12-month stewardship year with measurable success: high levels of participation and financial support in a congregation full of young adults and people new to church. Before serving at St. John’s, Cortright was on staff as Canon Vicar at Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis, where she worked with the Dean in building healthy congregational systems.
“We’re delighted to welcome a new member of the team with interest and experience in revitalizing congregations and creating systems that support best practices in parish ministry,” said the Rev. Joann Saylors, Canon for Mission Amplification for the Diocese. “I know both our team and our congregations will be blessed by her creativity and experience with congregations of various sizes.”
Cortright echoes the same sentiment stating, “I am very excited about joining the Mission Amplification team and can’t wait to begin working with leaders and congregations in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas!”
Cortright also previously served congregations in Columbia (Missouri), and in New York City. She received her Master of Divinity at General Theological Seminary in 2004, as well as a bachelor’s degree in English from Mount Holyoke College in 1999.
