The Rev. Kelsey Graham Hogue
Rector of St. Francis Episcopal Church in Scottsbluff, Nebraska
My wife, Debbie, and I live in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, a town of about 25,000 people that is 450 miles from the Bishop's office in Omaha. I am the first rector of a congregation that grew out of a very successful merger of two eighty year old churches. The congregations decided to merge and called me to show them how to come together. St. Francis is becoming a church that strives to be open and nurturing to all of God's creatures.
From 2000 to 2006, I served as the Bishop's representative to thirty-four congregations spread out over an 86,000 square mile region of western Colorado. I know what happens when geographical isolation devolves into spiritual isolation and one of my priorities was to be the face of the diocese in local congregations. During this time I wore out three diocesan automobiles.
I was ordained in 1992 and served as vicar and rector of two yoked small town congregations for eight years. During this time I developed and implemented a successful mutual ministry plan for the Diocese of Colorado.
I have a BS degree in Business Administration from the University of Colorado, and an MDiv. from CDSP. I have advanced training and experience in congregational and leadership development, conflict resolution, and interim ministry. In 2000 I was made a fellow of the College of Preachers at Washington National Cathedral. Prior to seminary I worked as a self employed tax accountant and Certified Financial Planner for fifteen years. See my website at www.kelseyhogue.net.
Read the Rev. Mr. Hogue's respones to the questions asked by the Search and Nominating Commitee.
