Dear Members of the Diocese of Kootenay,

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Stephens-Rennie as Director of Missional Renewal for the Diocese of Kootenay. This position was authorized by our Special Synod in May to coordinate implementation of the “Path Forward” report from the Structures Working Group.

He will work with me to support and provide tools for parishes in transition. He will also work with me, the Executive Archdeacon and other leaders on structural renewal in the diocese. Andrew will begin part-time in September and start full-time in October. At present this is a two-year position.

Andrew is an adaptive leader who brings many gifts and relevant experience to this position. For the past three years he has been Missioner for Valhalla parish—St. David’s, Castlegar and St. Stephen’s, New Denver. In this interim position he coordinated and supported worship, pastoral care and parish life through the pandemic and time of transition in the parish, to help them clarify their call to mission to the community, as well as working with the West Kootenay Region plans for a regional parish.

Since 2016, he has worked with non-profits, including the diocese of New Westminster, in facilitation and coaching to design processes for leaders and teams to take the next steps in pursuing their mission. He was part of the Diocesan facilitation team for parish development. From 2017 to 2020, he was Director of Ministry Innovation at Christ Church Cathedral in Vancouver, co-founding a new congregation.

Andrew has also worked for the National Anglican Church on Youth Program and for the Diocese of Ottawa for five years as Missioner for Youth Formation and Vocation. He has volunteer experience with several non-profit organizations including social housing. He has a Certificate in Social Innovation (2019) from Simon Fraser University and has a Master of Theological Studies from the University of Toronto (Wycliffe College).

I am delighted to welcome Andrew to the Diocesan team as we find new ways to live out our vision of serving Christ. May God bless Andrew and the Diocese in this partnership.

Yours in Christ,

+Lynne McNaughton
Bishop of Kootenay

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