About

What is an Episcopalian?

The word “Episcopal” refers to government by bishops. The historic episcopate continues the work of the first apostles in the Church, guarding the faith, unity and discipline of the Church, and ordaining men and women to continue Christ’s ministry. An Episcopalian is a person who belongs to the Protestant Episcopal Church, the branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion in the United States. As Episcopalians, we believe:

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The Holy Scriptures are the revealed word of God, which inspired the human authors of the Scripture, and which is interpreted by the Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. (link to Bible Gateway)
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The Nicene Creed is the basic statement of our belief about God. It was adopted in the 300s by the early church founders and is said every Sunday in Episcopal and Anglican churches around the United States and world.
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The two great sacraments of the Gospel, given by Christ to the Church, are Baptism and the Holy Eucharist. In Baptism we renounce Satan, repent of our sins, and adopt Jesus as our Lord and Savior. In the Holy Eucharist, the center of our worship life, we remember and participate in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ until his coming again.
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Catechism: The teachings and beliefs of the Episcopal Church are articulated in this “Outline of the Faith.” It is designed in a question and answer format.
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Common Prayer is at the center of our life together as Episcopalians. The liturgies and prayers outlined in the Book of Common Prayer shape our life together and are a summary of our beliefs.

Clergy and Staff

The Rt. Rev. Terry Allen White, Bishop

bishopwhite@episcopalky.org

Born in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa in 1959, Bishop White received a Bachelor of Arts in religion and philosophy from Iowa Wesleyan College in 1982, and a Master of Divinity from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in 1985. He was ordained a deacon in 1985 and priest in 1986, before being ordained as the Diocese of Kentucky’s 8th bishop in 2010.

Before coming to Kentucky, Bishop White served as Dean of Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kansas City, MO. Before serving as Dean, he served as rector of Trinity Church, Highland Park, Ill. from 1995-2004; associate rector at Christ Church, Winnetka, Ill., from 1991 to 1995; Vicar of St. Paul’s Church, Plymouth, and St. Boniface, Chilton, Wis., from 1987-1991. He was curate of Christ Church, Winnetka, from 1985-1987.

The Very Rev. Matt Bradley, Dean

matt@christchurchlouky.org

Matt Bradley was born in Louisville and graduated from Eastern High School. He received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Tulane University in 2005 and a Master in Divinity from the Virginia Theological Seminary in 2008.

Before being called as Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Matt served as the Rector of St. John’s in Murray, Kentucky, and as Campus Minister to Murray State University from 2008-2020.

Tom Thill, Sacristan

Mr. Thill spends many volunteer hours preparing the Church and bulletins for weekly worship. Tom maintains the sacristy, trains acolytes, and leads the altar guild, along with many other duties that allow us to share beautiful worship together.

Susan Shockey, Parish Administrator

Susan Shockey is the Cathedral’s Parish Coordinator. This administrative position supports the Cathedral’s clergy, staff, volunteers, and visitors, and takes an active role in coordinating the ministries of the Cathedral.

Susan’s work history has been in Medical Office Management at three different practices spanning 27 years in Atlanta, Georgia. As an Office Manager, she enjoyed engaging with both patients and staff.

Susan is a lifelong Episcopalian and has family roots in Louisville, having moved to Louisville from Atlanta,Georgia in 2019 after living in Georgia for over 30 years. She moved to Louisville to be closer to family. Susan has children, grandchildren, and two young great-grandsons. She is an avid photographer, enjoys cooking, does a lot of writing and reading, and enjoys walking whenever she can get away and the weather permits. She volunteers at the Calvary Food Pantry every Tuesday morning and enjoys engaging with people. She looks forward to her work here at the Cathedral and exploring the many opportunities for service and worship here at the Cathedral.

Mark Kano

Associate Professor of Music and Vocal Music Area Coordinator at Bellarmine University, where he also directs Singing Knights and the Lyric Theatre. Mark is a member of the American Spiritual Ensemble, as well as the National Chorale, and is a frequent recitalist. Kano has performed with orchestras and opera companies regionally, throughout the United States, and abroad, garnering performances in Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and Kennedy Center for the Arts. He has published research on the pedagogical benefits of Francesco Paolo Tosti’s songs for the undergraduate lyric tenor. A dedicated voice teacher, Dr. Kano’s students have been winners in various vocal competitions, participated in summer music festivals in the states and abroad, and pursued music studies at the University of Michigan, Indiana University, Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, The Julliard School, among others. Dr. Kano is an active masterclass clinician and adjudicator and has served as Visiting Instructor of Voice at the University of Kentucky and on the voice faculties of Centre College, Transylvania University, Kentucky Center Governor’s School for the Arts, and Operafestival di Roma. Mark serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Teachers of Singing and is the Mid-South Region Governor and the vocal chair for the Kentucky Music Teachers Association.

Denise Whittington, Organist

Denise began playing for church services at age ten and accompanying choirs in sixth grade. Since then she has served rural and urban churches, small and large congregations, and a variety of denominations. Denise holds a Masters of Church Music from Southern Seminary (1994-1997). She studied organ and service playing with Boyd Jones and served as his assistant. She is currently working with John Deaver, Roberta Gary, and Michael Unger at the University of Cincinnati to complete the Doctor of Musical Arts program in Organ Performance.

Jack Ashworth

The associate organist of The Cathedral Choir. He is Professor of Music History Emeritus at the University of Louisville, and continues to teach early music ensembles, harpsichord and organ on a part-time basis at the University of Louisville, to which faculty he was appointed in 1977. Primarily a harpsichordist, he also plays early string and wind instruments such as the recorder and viola da gamba. Active as an early music workshop coach in the United States, England, Canada and Australia, he received the Thomas Binkley Award for Outstanding Achievement by a Collegium Director in 1999 and served two terms as president of the Viola da Gamba Society of America. Jack has performed with Wieland Kuijken, Margriet Tindemans, Brent Wissick, Clea Galhano and Marion Verbruggen, as well as the ensembles Fretwork and Trio Settecento, among others. Publications include the article on “Keyboard Instruments” in A Performer’s Guide to Renaissance Music (2nd ed; Indiana University Press, 2007) as well as articles (co-authored with Paul O’Dette) on basso continuo in both this volume and the companion A Performer’s Guide to Seventeenth-Century Music (2nd ed; Indiana University Press, 2012). Running the Numbers, a handbook on continuo realization for keyboard players he co-authored with Frances Fitch, was published by Loux Music in 2011. Jack also plays fiddle in the Buzzard Rock String Band. You can listen to some of Jack’s music on his YouTube page.

The Bishop, Dean, and Chapter

The governing body of the cathedral is The Bishop, Dean, and Chapter of Christ Church Cathedral. This body includes the Bishop and Dean, who are ex officio members, along with other members elected to the Chapter. Each elected member serves for a term of three years.

The Chapter meets monthly via Zoom. Meetings are open to all members of the cathedral, except when the chapter enters an executive session. Current Congregation Directors and Diocesan Representatives and listed below.

Officers

The Bishop and Dean serve as the President and Vice President, respectively. Additional officers include the Senior Warden, the Junior Warden, the Secretary, and the treasurer.

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President: The Right Rev. Terry White
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Vice President: The Very Rev. Matt Bradley
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Senior Warden: Aaron Angel
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Junior Warden: Frazier Marsh
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Secretary: George Hubbard
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Treasurer: Kay Shields Wilkinson

Diocesan Representatives

There are three Diocesan Representatives on the chapter. Each year at the Convention of the Diocese, the Convention elects a new Diocesan Representative. Currently, one of these positions is vacant.

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Angie Mills
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The Rev. Michael Vollman

Congregation Directors

There are currently 12 Congregation Directors on the Chapter. Each year at the cathedral’s annual meeting, four Congregation Directors are elected by the congregation of the cathedral.

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Ashley Pasteka
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Aaron Angel
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Benjamin Wilson
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Frazier Marsh
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George Hubbard
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Graham Whatley
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John Kiesel
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Lee Cochran
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Liam O’Daniel-Munger
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Louise Isaacs
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Vance Fritton

What to Expect

Worship FAQs

We are glad you are interested in learning more about our life together and we hope these links will be helpful to you on your journey.

What is an Episcopalian?

The word “Episcopal” refers to government by bishops. The historic episcopate continues the work of the first apostles in the Church, guarding the faith, unity and discipline of the Church, and ordaining men and women to continue Christ’s ministry. An Episcopalian is a person who belongs to the Protestant Episcopal Church, the branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion in the United States. As Episcopalians, we believe:

  • The Holy Scriptures are the revealed word of God, which inspired the human authors of the Scripture, and which is interpreted by the Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. (link to Bible Gateway)
  • The Nicene Creed is the basic statement of our belief about God. It was adopted in the 300s by the early church founders and is said every Sunday in Episcopal and Anglican churches around the United States and world.
  • The two great sacraments of the Gospel, given by Christ to the Church, are Baptism and the Holy Eucharist. In Baptism we renounce Satan, repent of our sins, and adopt Jesus as our Lord and Savior. In the Holy Eucharist, the center of our worship life, we remember and participate in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ until his coming again.
  • Catechism: The teachings and beliefs of the Episcopal Church are articulated in this “Outline of the Faith.” It is designed in a question and answer format.
  • Common Prayer is at the center of our life together as Episcopalians. The liturgies and prayers outlined in the Book of Common Prayer shape our life together and are a summary of our beliefs.

How Does the Episcopal Church Differ From Other Denominations?

Historically, bishops oversee the Church in particular geographic areas, known as dioceses. In the worldwide Anglican Communion, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who oversees the Diocese of Canterbury, occupies a special position by virtue of history and tradition but he does not hold a governing position. We are a confederation of equals. Bishops from the Anglican Communion meet every 10 years for the Lambeth Conference, at the invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, but the resolutions coming from that Conference do not hold authority over all members of the Communion. Collegiality among bishops is the substitute for authority, and communal discernment is the substitute for decision-making power.

Each bishop and diocese, operating through an annual council, determine the character of life and work in that diocese within a set of general decisions made by a triennial General Convention of The Episcopal Church as a whole. These decisions are formalized as canons—rules that govern—by The Episcopal Church and subsequently by each affected diocese. Each diocese elects and sends clergy and lay representatives—deputies—to the General Convention. The annual Convention of the Diocese of Kentucky takes place each Fall.

The Episcopal Church celebrates diversity. We are young and old, male and female, gay and straight, single, married, divorced and widowed, Anglo, African American, Latino, African, Asian, CEO and unemployed, student and teacher, rich and poor. We worship together, study and ask questions as we move more deeply into the mystery of God.

We honor tradition and strive to live by the example of Jesus Christ, welcoming the stranger and the outcast, helping our neighbors and offering love and forgiveness. We want our communities to be better because The Episcopal Church is here.

We are known for our engaging and beautiful worship services. For those who have grown up Roman Catholic, the service, known as the Mass, Eucharist or Holy Communion, will be very familiar. For those of reformed tradition or no religious tradition at all, we think you may find a spiritual home in a church that respects its tradition and maintains its sense of awe and wonder at the power and mystery of God. Some services are more contemporary, some more traditional but all follow the same form found in the Book of Common Prayer.

There are no prerequisites in the Episcopal Church… Everyone is welcome.

We walk the “middle way” between Protestant and catholic traditions. We often talk about the Episcopal Church as following the “via media” or middle way in our theology and discussions because we believe that, whether or not we agree on a particular topic, we all are children beloved by God and we can have thoughtful and respectful discussions.

The Episcopal Church has between 2-3 million members in about 7,500 congregations in the United States, the Virgin Islands, Haiti, Europe and other areas in North America. In the Diocese of Kentucky (one of two dioceses in the state), we have about 10,000 members in 36 congregations. We also have 3 college ministries, and various ministries that reach out to help make our communities better and more caring places to live. We are part of the global Anglican Communion, which has 70 million followers.

Worship With Us

Worshipping with an Episcopal congregation is to experience ancient worship forms drawn from Hebrew, Greek, Latin and Celtic sources. Worship at the cathedral uses the 1979 version of the Book of Common Prayer (originally created in England during the 1600’s and adapted for American use in 1789) as well as liturgical texts and music from around the world. We also use the 1982 Hymnal and a more contemporary hymnal supplement, Wonder, Love and Praise.

Our main community worship on Sunday is known as The Eucharist – a Greek term meaning, “thanksgiving.” Typical Sunday worship includes three Scripture readings and a sung or spoken Psalm. Sermons are based on Scripture readings for the day. Our altar is a table of thanksgiving where we experience the presence of Christ in a meal of bread and wine. Sharing in this mystery is a visible and outward sign of an inward and spiritual grace God gives to us.

You are definitely welcome

All baptized persons are welcome to receive the communion Bread and Wine regardless of denominational background or current status with that denomination. Baptized children are full members of the body of Christ, the Church, and they too are welcome at the Lord’s Table.

If you are not yet baptized but wish to receive a pastoral blessing rather than Communion, you are welcome to approach the worship leaders with arms crossed over your chest.

The congregation also offers a weekday Eucharist and prayer services. Once a month from September through May we offer a meditative Sunday afternoon service known as Evensong, which is usually preceded by a short musical concert.

Education for everyone

Thoughtful study, “a serious but not literal reading,” of Scripture nourishes and guides our Christian Faith. Questions about faith are welcomed with respectful conversations that engage the mind and heart. We offer adult Bible study, book reading discussion groups, and presentations. Children have their own place for learning Bible stories and the traditions of the Church.

What we believe...

  • God’s love for all people is shown to us in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection in accordance with Biblical accounts and the witness of believers through history.
  • God draws people into peace and fellowship with one another in Holy Baptism and without regard to social or economic status, race, gender, age, ability, marital status or sexual orientation.
  • God, the Holy Spirit, is active in reading and studying Scripture, worship and meditation, in human reason, acts of service to others and in science and the arts.

Fellowship

Please join us after Sunday worship: there is always coffee – offered to welcome guests and to give members time to catch up on what’s happening in the community. Volunteers prepare these weekly gatherings as well as organizing congregational meals, receptions, dining groups and other social events.

Outreach

On the first Sunday of each month we host a community breakfast for our neighbors and homeless folks living in the area. On that day we also collect non-perishable food items for the Community Ministry pantry and in addition we receive a special offering to assist emergency needs of people seeking help. Several social service, community development and faith-based organizations have offices in or use our facilities for their programs. Volunteers from the congregation support community-based programs for teens, the elderly, the homeless, refugees and immigrants, and people in poverty.

Music and the Arts

God inspires both visual and musical arts that enrich our worship. We pay special attention to the arts in our worship with an emphasis on excellent choral music. Our choir members are singers from the congregation and a few professional singers. Art glass, music, mosaics, icons, architecture, and dance are artistic expressions that celebrate God in worship.

Our Cathedral Arts series sponsors concerts by local and regional soloists, choral and instrumental ensembles as well as art exhibits.

Governance Structure

The Chapter (vestry or church council), composed of members and representatives of the diocese, handles the policies and general business of the congregation. An endowment corporation oversees the long-term investments of gifts to the congregation.

History

The Christ Church congregation was founded in 1822, when Louisville was a frontier river town. The church became the Cathedral of the Diocese of Kentucky in 1894. The congregation was active in the civil rights struggles of the 1960’s. It continues a progressive tradition of outreach and study.

Buildings

The original church structure was built in 1824 with additions in the latter part of the 19th century. The Diocesan House was built in 1912. The renewal and restoration of the cathedral structure and Diocesan House was completed by 2002.

In the late 1990’s the congregation began acquisition of an adjacent three-story house and parking lot. In 2006 the Howard Hardy house was restored to its original 1830’s appearance, and is now commercially leased. A 40-unit apartment building, Cathedral Commons, offers housing opportunities to qualified low and moderate-income persons, many of whom work downtown.

The Diocese of Kentucky

The Cathedral is the home church of the Bishop of the Diocese of Kentucky. The bishop’s offices are located on the second floor of the Diocesan House. The Diocese of Kentucky covers the western half of the Commonwealth.

Become a member of the Christ Church community

“Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ’s Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God.” — Book of Common Prayer

Becoming a part of the Christian Church and the Christ Church community begins with Holy Baptism. If you are interested in learning more about Baptism or have arrived at a place in your spiritual journey where Baptism seems right for you, please contact our clergy after a service or arrange an appointment: call 502.587.1354.

We recognize Baptism in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit of all Christian denominations.

If you wish to affiliate with the Christ Church community, the first step is to fill out and return a Welcome Card or sign the guest register and indicate your interest.

  • Become regular in attendance at Sunday worship, a regular contributor of time, talent and treasure to the mission of the congregation and regular prayer.
  • Attend the Exploring the Faith series for an introduction to the Episcopal Church; watch for announcements during the fall and winter. Pick up the “Membership in the Cathedral Community” brochure for a more detailed description for becoming a member.

Explore the Episcopal Church

The Episcopal Church offers a thoughtful approach to religion. It believes faith involves a measure of reason as well as emotion. Its doctrine is designed to point out, not dictate, the response to God’s continuing revelation. The focus is on God’s love and the invitation to respond in mature freedom, in thanksgiving, and in loving devotion. Basic beliefs are expressed in the Book of Common Prayer and especially in the Catechism.

The Episcopal Church teaches that morality is positive, rather than negative. It is rooted in Jesus’ summary of the law: ‘to love God with heart, mind and soul and to love one’s neighbor as oneself.’ The focus of Christian morality is not on laws and restrictions but on free and mature response to God’s love and in responsibility to our neighbors.

Episcopalians believe the Holy Scriptures to be the Word of God and to contain all things necessary for salvation. We believe God inspired human authors and continues to speak to us through the Bible.

Episcopalians believe in One God,

  • the Father who creates us and things,
  • the Son who redeems us from sin and death
  • the Holy Spirit who renews us as the Children of God.

In worship, we are united, acknowledging the holiness of God, to hear God’s Word, to offer prayer and to celebrate God’s presence among us. All are welcome to participate in our worship because it is in worship that we live out our life as a Christian family together.

Holy Scripture is the foundation of our worship. The service follows an order found in our worship book called the Book of Common Prayer, two-thirds of which is scriptural. Each Sunday’s worship includes Bible readings, usually from both the Old and New Testaments. Many of our prayers and hymns are filled with Scripture.

The Book of Common Prayer includes a variety of ancient and modern prayers and worship occasions for times when the whole community gathers, and for individual use. The Book of Common Prayer encourages everyone to participate, reminding us that each person is an important part of the worship experience, whether the service is a celebration or a solemn occasion. It is a guidebook for daily Christian living.

Music, both traditional and contemporary, is an integral part of uniting our prayers and scripture.

Episcopalians affirm that salvation is the end of our separation from God and the beginning of a new relationship with God and one another. The Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds are basic statements of our beliefs in God.

The Episcopal Church has more than 2.4 million members in more than 7,000 congregations in 110 geographic areas (dioceses) situated in 16 countries. It participates in the worldwide Anglican Communion, with 77 million members in 166 countries.

Who is Welcome?

The Christ Church Cathedral community welcomes all people who seek to know the love of God in Christ Jesus. We value every person as a child of God – without precondition.

We are inclined to joyful and contemplative worship, a thoughtful and courteous exchange of ideas, and acts of compassion for those whose lives are caught in a web of poverty, illness and homelessness.

How do I become a member of the Christ Church congregation?

Membership in a congregation of the Episcopal Church is through Holy Baptism. The sacrament of Holy Baptism is the full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into the church, which as the Apostle Paul explains, is Body of Christ in this world. Once baptized a person is a full member of the church, and that includes children. Private instruction is available for parents of infants to be baptized and for adults who are seeking Holy Baptism.

Baptisms are part of the congregation’s worship life and traditionally take place on All Saints’ Sunday, the Sunday after the Epiphany, the Easter Vigil and on Pentecost Sunday.

What is Confirmation?

Young people and adults who were baptized when very young but have not made an adult profession of faith are encouraged to seek Confirmation by our Bishop. We provide preparation for confirmation through classes that meet periodically throughout the fall and winter. The confirmation rite usually occurs during the Easter Vigil – the night before Easter Day.

Baptized but not confirmed in another Christian Church?

Baptized people from other Christian traditions who wish to join the cathedral community and other persons preparing for Confirmation attend the Exploring the Faith series scheduled throughout the fall and winter during the Adult Christian education hour. These sessions cover the Christian faith and life as expressed in Episcopal tradition. Watch for announcements concerning Exploring the Faith for up-coming sessions. Please feel free to speak to a member of the clergy for additional information about becoming a member.

Baptized and confirmed in another church?

Persons who have been confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church, an Orthodox church or the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America may be received as members by the bishop. Instruction in Episcopal traditions, introduction to the Book of Common Prayer, and an introduction to the Scriptures are essential preparation for membership at the cathedral. Watch for announcements concerning Exploring the Faith for upcoming sessions.

Transferring from another Episcopal congregation?

Persons who are transferring to the cathedral congregation should write the rector of the church where the present membership resides and request a letter of transfer to Christ Church. It is only necessary to request the transfer; no explanations to the previous parish are required. It may be helpful to include in your letter a postage paid envelope on which you have written our name and address.

What does it mean to be a church member?

Current members as well as newcomers to the Cathedral may ask, “What is expected of me? What does membership mean?”

The Book of Common Prayer defines the duty of all Christians in the following way:

The duty of all Christians is to follow Christ; to come together week by week for corporate worship; and to work, pray and give for the spread of the kingdom of God.

At Christ Church Cathedral this means:

  1. Attending Sunday Eucharist on a regular basis.
  2. Having a “Letter of Transfer” or Membership Information Form on file in the Cathedral office so that we have accurate personal records.
  3. Maintaining a financial commitment (pledge) or other “contribution of record” that supports the life and ministry of the cathedral community.
  4. Sharing in the visible mission of the cathedral community through one of its many service groups, educational opportunities and other ministries.
  5. Praying for grace to serve God more effectively as an individual as well as a community of believers.