Rectors, Priests-in-Charge, and the Mutual Ministry Review
5/21/2026
The Vestry and I will be conducting a Vestry Retreat and our second Mutual Ministry Review on June 6, and we could use your voice. Wait, what's a Mutual Ministry Review? Well, let me back up...
A Rector is the ecclesiastical authority of an Episcopal parish. The term is derived from the Latin for “rule.” The rector has authority and responsibility for worship and the spiritual jurisdiction of the parish (subject to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Episcopal Church, of course). They select and supervise any assistant clergy. They control the church, parish buildings, and furnishings, and they (or their designees) preside at Vestry meetings. They're elected by the parish, subject to the Bishop's approval.
I'm not a rector; I'm a Priest-in-Charge. While Rectors are called by the parish for an indefinite period of time (it's almost like tenure for a professor), Priests-in-Charge are appointed by the Bishop for a contracted period. Though there was a search committee and Vestry selection process, I was appointed by the Bishop for three years. Otherwise, I have the same powers and responsibilities as a Rector.
Why the difference? Mostly, it has to do with transition. Traditionally, when a Rector departs, you find an Interim Rector who serves on a temporary basis until the search for the new Rector is completed. The Interim Rector typically cannot be considered for the role of Rector. A Rector is chosen, the Interim Rector departs, and the newly elected Rector is installed.
Nowadays, for lots of reasons (for instance, trained, available Interim Rectors can be hard to find), parishes and dioceses are looking instead at Priests-in-Charge. It's a "rent-to-own" approach. When a Rector departs, you search for a Priest-in-Charge. The bishop appoints the chosen priest for a specified period of time, at which point, unlike an interim, the Priest-in-Charge and parish have the option, in discussion with the diocese and Bishop, of converting the Priest-in-Charge to Rector.
The Priest-in-Charge and Vestry take stock of things in what is called a Mutual Ministry Review (MMR). It's a facilitated conversation with another priest or trained individual to review what's been going on and what may be ahead for the community. One MMR takes place 12-18 months into the Priest-in-Charge's contract, and another is done as the contract comes to an end. It's time for our second one.
It's a time of discussion, discernment, and decision. For more on what the Vestry will be doing on June 6, take a look at this presentation from the Diocese of Virginia.
So we need you! If you have ideas, concerns, or thoughts about what’s next for St. John’s, we’d love to hear from you ahead of this important meeting. Contact me, our Senior Warden, or a Vestry member for more.
