Evangelistic Mission: The May 2025 Communiqué

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” —John 21:23

Greetings in the name of our risen Lord, Jesus Christ!

This edition of the Communiqué is once again focused on Evangelistic Mission, one of the Six Marks of Flourishing Churches. Let me share with you one way I have seen a church exemplify this important aspect of flourishing.

Just a few weeks ago, Jody and I traveled to Montgomery for our annual episcopal visit with Christchurch. Because we were arriving on a Friday, were invited to attend Celebrate Recovery. What a joy! Jody and I left in agreement that we had seen the glory of God in this meeting.

We met several people who …

By Gabriel Roman. Last October, my wife and I joined the Gulf Atlantic Diocese as church-planting curates at The Table Church in Saint Augustine. We are passionate about sharing Jesus and excited about the diocese’s focus on Evangelistic Mission at Synod. As we adjust to life in a new place, we’ve been gripped by the idea of third spaces—where community naturally forms. What better way to meet people than at the places we already love?

Wherever we go, we now ask: "Lord, what are you doing here, and how do you want to invite us in?" The opportunities the Lord brings are amazing when we slow down, pray, and pay attention.

"I called and the Lord heard me. He is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." —Psalm 40:1

By Kristy Crill. I cannot recall a time when I audibly said “Here I am Lord, send me,” but I must have—because here I am. I do recall the time when I realized that I had a unique love for the homeless and a desire to serve them somehow. I was just a young girl on a summer mission trip to New York City with other youth groups from all over the nation. Our goal was to spread the gospel, and on my last day there I sat down and had a conversation with a homeless man I had passed each day. I sat alone with him on the street and asked him many “but why?” questions.

I wish I could say that trip was also my reckoning with a call, but it was not. For many years after that trip in many forms, I went another way and lived very much like the people I serve today, at times believing that I was so far gone from the love of Jesus that the “good news,” although true, most certainly did not apply to me.

I could not have imagined then where I would be today!

Welcome, Deacon Dan Thompson!

This month, Bishop Alex named Dan as Associate for Global Mission. He'll work with Canon Bill Krizner further connect our parishes with global missions efforts and promote missions within the Diocese.

Dan has been ordained as a vocational deacon with the Gulf Atlantic Diocese since 2020. He had over 30 years of ministry experience in another denomination, pastoring a church in Minneapolis, MN, for 20 years and planting another church before that. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Missions and a Master degree in Theology and Church History.

Dan has worked closely with cross cultural workers for decades, helping raise support and advocating for their work. He works closely with organizations in his area who work with the marginalized. He serves as deacon at Church of the Apostles in Fairhope, AL, and leads the missions team there. He also serves the Diocese on the Board of Examining Chaplains.

He has been married to Terri for 37 years. They have three sons and two grandchildren.

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You can view all upcoming diocesan events on our Events page.

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Soul in the City registration is live! SitC is empowering teenagers to live a life of service to God and neighbor through the love of Christ. It's a week-long overnight summer camp (this year: June 22–27) where rising 7th - 12th grade students physically and relationally invest in the local community with their time and talents by being the hands and feet of Jesus. During this action-packed week, students live on the Grace Anglican Church campus in a mission-styled setting. Students serve during the day at various mission sites, have fun with friends, and gather at the Barn in the evening for worship, teaching, and small group discussion.

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Camp Araminta registration is open! Camp Araminta is one very active week with ongoing, exciting programs and activities that keep our kids busy from the crack of dawn until the evening. Camp is open to all rising 4th-12th grade students. We are building Christian Community through fellowship, living the Christian ideal from day to day, and learning to hold each other accountable. We also encourage discipleship by teaching youth how to filter the culture around us and discern what we listen to, say, and do (in music, media, and games). We are a ministry dedicated to supporting our youth as well as our fellow Anglicans.

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