As Trinity continues to grow into this next season of life, we are taking an intentional step toward becoming an even more lay-led, mission-focused parish. One of the ways we’re doing that is by creating two new leadership roles: Minister for Community Engagement and Minister for Congregational Life.
These aren’t just titles; they reflect who we are becoming.
Minister for Community Engagement
This role is outward-facing and rooted in our call to serve. The Minister for Community Engagement helps us build relationships beyond our walls and deepen our presence in the wider Marshall community. This includes offering community expertise to support and enhance ministries like the Blessing Box, connecting with local organizations, and helping us listen well to the needs around us.
At its heart, this role asks: How is God already at work in our community and how can Trinity join in?
It’s not about doing everything ourselves. It’s about partnership, presence, and making sure our service is thoughtful, relational, and sustainable.
Minister for Congregational Life
If Community Engagement looks outward, Congregational Life looks inward toward the strength and health of our life together.
This role focuses on building connection within the parish: helping newcomers feel truly welcomed, strengthening relationships among members, and supporting gatherings that deepen our sense of belonging. From coordinating activities to dreaming up ways we can spend meaningful time together, the Minister for Congregational Life helps ensure that no one slips through the cracks.
At its heart, this role asks: How do we become not just a church people attend, but a community where people are known, loved, and connected?
Why This Matters
These roles reflect a shift in how we understand ministry. The work of the church does not belong to one person, it belongs to all of us. By raising up leaders from within the congregation, we are making space for the gifts God has already placed among us.
This is how the Church grows, not just in numbers, but in depth, connection, and purpose.
And the best part? We already see this taking shape. Mallory Brown will serve as our Minister for Congregational Life. If you’ve ever been welcomed, invited, or drawn into something here, you’ve likely experienced her gift. Darlene Dotson will serve as Minister for Community Engagement, bringing her deep love for this community and her passion for serving others. We are so blessed to have them!
As we begin to live into these roles, we invite you to be part of it. Your presence, your gifts, your relationships matter more than you know. We are building something together and this is one more step in that journey.
I invite you to pray for Mallory and Darlene, and for the life of this church, as we discern the gifts given to each of us in baptism and how they are being called forth for the sake of God’s mission in the world.
~ Dana +
Trinity Episcopal Church 
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