Rector Discernment Process

Jul 14, 2026

Discernment Process Update

The discernment process for the next Rector of Church of the Incarnation is underway, with significant progress made in selecting a consultant and identifying parish leaders to guide this important work.

Rector Discernment Committee Leadership

Lisa Longino has agreed to serve as Chairperson for the discernment process. A longtime parishioner, Lisa served as Altar Guild Directress for many years and on the Vestry, most recently as Junior Warden in 2025, and she continues to serve in many other important ways. She has the complete confidence of the Vestry, and her leadership will be invaluable throughout this process.

Sarah James has also agreed to serve as Vice Chairperson of the Rector Discernment Committee. Sarah and her husband, William, have attended Incarnation for 13 years, and their children, Kate and Robert, have grown up in the church. She served on the Vestry from 2020 to 2023 and is currently a member of the Incarnation Foundation board. Together, Lisa and Sarah will provide strong, thoughtful, generational leadership for this important process.

Father Ronald Clingenpeel has been engaged as the discernment consultant. Father Ron is an Episcopal priest widely respected for guiding discernment processes for parish and diocesan clergy positions across the country. He comes highly recommended and has recently assisted with discernments for parishes similar to Incarnation, as well as the recent discernment for the Bishop of Dallas. He will work closely with the Discernment Committee and the Vestry until the next Rector is called.

Discernment Committee Member Nominations

One of the most important steps in this process is forming a Rector Discernment Committee—a group of faithful parishioners who will prayerfully represent the congregation as they listen, research, discern, and help identify the one God is calling to lead the parish into its next chapter.

Nominations for the committee will be open from July 21 through August 31. Additional details about the committee's qualifications, the nomination process, and how parishioners may nominate themselves for consideration will be shared next week.

Parish-Wide Survey

As part of the search, a parish-wide survey will be conducted this coming fall. The survey results will play a significant role in guiding the Discernment Committee's work. Participation in this survey will be critical to the process, helping both the committee and candidates understand the hopes and priorities of the parish. The survey results will be shared with the congregation once they are finalized.

A Word of Thanks

The parish continues to be blessed by the extraordinary leadership and thoughtful support of Interim Rector Bishop Greg Brewer. His dedication and the stability he provides during this important season are deeply appreciated.

Please continue to pray for the Vestry, the Discernment Committee, the clergy, and staff as they undertake this important work in the life of the parish.