Commission on Ministry

The Commission on Ministry is the group concerned with vocational and ministry discernment, training for clergy, ministry to the retired clergy, clergy spouses, as well as applications for lay licensure in consultation with the bishop and the Commission on Christian Formation.

The Commission on Ministry (COM) works with the bishop and the Standing Committee under the provisions of Title III of the Canons of the Episcopal Church and the Canons of the Diocese of Upper South Carolina.

The Commission also provides funds for continuing education opportunities for clergy and lay persons. To request funding, please contact the Rev. Canon Stephen J. Rhoades, including a description of how the money will be used, the date funding is needed, the amount of money needed, and how this opportunity will contribute to your ministry.

The Commission on Ministry (2025)

Term Ends 2025

The Rev. Paul Abernathy – St. Matthew’s, Spartanburg

The Rev. Deacon Dianna Deaderick – St. Martins-in-the-Fields, Columbia

Chris Lynn – Church of the Advent, Spartanburg

Term Ends 2026

The Rev. Raphiell Ashford – St. Luke’s, Columbia

Dr. Norma Nesbitt Givens – Christ Church, Greenville

The Rev. Suz Cate – Holy Trinity, Clemson

The Rev. Mary Balfour – Church of the Resurrection, Greenwood

Ex Officio

The Venerable Jane Rogers Wilson, Archdeacon

The Rev. Canon Stephen J. Rhoades, Canon to the Ordinary