We believe that all Christians are given special Spiritual Gifts by the Holy Spirit. These Gifts are meant to be used for the benefit of the entire Christian community. A Christian should determine as soon as possible which of the Spiritual Gifts he/she has been given, and then develop, exercise and use these gifts in their personal ministry. There are many opportunities for service and to exercise your Spiritual Gift(s). It has been well said that the Southern Episcopal Church movement has been built upon the efforts of its laity. Within the parish there is the need for altar guilds, acolytes, church school leaders, teachers, lay readers, choir, and the parish committees which help in the carrying out of the parish’s mission. Also, a number of our parishes are in the process of obtaining their own property, building new structures or renovating existing ones for use in worship.

A vast array of talent is needed to complete these tasks. Also, many parishes have study groups, prayer groups, youth groups, and church school classes, offering further opportunity for involvement, In addition, there exists the need for workers in the “outreach” vineyard – visiting the shut-ins, hospitals, jails, homes for the aged and infirm, youth hostels, halfway houses, etc. Around the parish are, usually, more tasks to be accomplished than there are people to assist. Every Christian is a minister. Everything we do in God’s service to our fellowman is a ministry of the Church. Often we consider what we do not important, but Christ said, ”In as much as you did it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye did it unto me.” There are no unimportant ministries.

Beyond the parish you will find many Southern Episcopalians involved with community concerns or serving on different committees of the Diocese and/or National Church. Also, you will find many of our parishioners taking an active part in the government of their city/county, state and national politics as good citizens. The laity are an integral part of the government of the Southern Episcopal Church, The parish vestry (similar to a board of directors) is comprised of parish members and is charged with the management of the temporal affairs of the parish. Synods, or meetings, of the dioceses and the National Church. have active lay participation. Each parish sends lay representatives to the Synod. Anglicans take seriously our Lord’s call to all Christians to serve Him. This means both a ministry within the Christian family and a ministry to the world to spread the Gospel and to tangibly show forth Jesus Christ in our lives.