May 20, 2007 - Bishop Chuck Murphy has announced changes in responsibilities for Bishop Thomas Johnston, who will step back from providing episcopal oversight for congregations beginning July 1, 2007 for a period of 100 days in order to enable him to focus primarily on his church plant, St. Peter’s, Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Bishop Murphy noted that Bishop Johnston had served the equivalent of two full-time and demanding jobs for over 10 years.

“I think it’s time for TJ and Rees to embrace a new rhythm. This brief season will allow TJ to step back in some things in order to step forward in others, and I believe this will have a positive impact on his life and ministry and that of the Mission,” explained Bishop Murphy.

Although Bishop Johnston will not be providing oversight, including confirmations preaching, teaching or pastoral care responsibilities for congregations, he will continue in his role in the Council of Bishops as well as provide oversight for Mission Networks, including convening, planning and chairing the meetings with bishops and Network Leaders. He will also work with the Rev. Mike Murphy in developing two emerging networks out of his work with St. Peter’s Church.

“These responsibilities, along with focusing on the life and ministry of St. Peter’s, are guaranteed to provide TJ with a rich and full schedule while allowing for personal renewal and refreshment,” said Bishop Murphy. “I am convinced that this is a healthy approach and model for our missionary bishops.”

Bishop Johnston has played a key role in the Anglican Mission since the earliest days of First Promise, including serving as rector of St. Andrew’s, Little Rock, the first U.S. church to have direct oversight from the Province of Rwanda. As a missionary bishop of the Anglican Mission, he has been responsible for overseeing 27 churches in the U.S. and 10 in Canada. During the last several years, he has also provided oversight in the areas of leadership recruiting and deployment and Mission Networks as well as served on the Anglican Mission Board of Directors and the Council of Bishops in addition to his responsibilities as senior pastor of St. Peter’s.

“I have a strong connection to those churches I have been privileged to serve since 2001,” said Bishop Johnston, “and I will miss regular interaction and fellowship with them, but I am looking forward to continuing to build up St. Peter’s Church and to direct my energy going forward to Network development. I have every confidence that the Mission Network Leaders, along with the bishops of those networks, will fill the gap well and that mission and ministry of these congregations will move from strength to strength during those 100 days and in the days thereafter.”

Rees Johnston, who has served as Bishop Johnston’s administrator for over 10 years, has also announced a professional transition. She will begin a career in real estate, an interest she has had since her work as a mortgage banker 22 years ago.

“I will miss my day to day ministry with TJ and the Anglican Mission,” Mrs. Johnston said. “It has been a joy and a privilege to work with TJ every day and to be a pioneer with many of the faithful men and women in the Mission. From my work with the Anglican Mission, I feel God’s pleasure and preparation now to ‘go and make disciples’ in another area of my life.”

Mrs. Johnston will remain connected to the work of the Anglican Mission through her support and travel with TJ and with her commitment to praying for and encouraging clergy wives.

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