When the Rev. Rob Courtney became Canon to the Ordinary for the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee in July 2023, he brought with him extensive parish ministry experience and a deep commitment to he Episcopal Church. In this interview with Emily Austin, Director of Communications and Community Engagement, he reflects on his journey to ordained ministry, the discernment process that led him to West Tennessee, and the transition to diocesan leadership. He discusses the challenges and opportunities facing congregations, the importance of collaboration, and how his role supports clergy and parish life. Rob also shares insights into his personal spiritual practices and how they sustain him in this work.
Emily: Rob, can you summarize your journey to ordained ministry and how you ended up here in West Tennessee?
Rob: In some ways, I never realized this is where I would end up. My path was circuitous. I remember a moment in fourth grade at a Catholic school when the teacher asked if anyone had thought about becoming a priest or pastor. Without much thought, I raised my hand, surprising myself. Church was a central part of my life growing up Southern Baptist, and faith was important to me even as a kid.
But ministry wasn’t something I pursued immediately. I majored in music in college, became a rock DJ, and thought radio would be my career. Over time, though, I felt a pull toward something with more purpose. When my wife and I married, I found The Episcopal Church—a meeting place between my Southern Baptist upbringing and her Roman Catholic background. A co-worker suggested we try his church, and I was struck by the beauty of the liturgy, the sense of community, and the openness to questions and doubts. I fell in love with Jesus all over again.
From there, I entered the discernment process, attended Sewanee for seminary, and returned to Louisiana. I served as rector at Trinity Episcopal Church in Morgan City and then St. Paul’s Episcopal Church & School in New Orleans for about 12 years. In 2023, I was encouraged to enter the bishop search in Mississippi. Though I wasn’t elected, Bishop Phoebe reached out, encouraging me to apply for this position. My wife and I discerned it as part of the same process, and here we are—moving to Memphis last June.
Emily: What drew you and Catt to West Tennessee?
Rob: We were already discerning the possibility of moving to Jackson, Mississippi, so geographically, West Tennessee wasn’t too different. But an important factor was Bishop Phoebe herself. We both came from the same home parish, All Saints in River Ridge, Louisiana. We served on the vestry together, went through discernment at the same time, and were colleagues in the Diocese of Louisiana before she moved to Virginia. When she reached out, it felt like no time had passed, and the connection was immediate.
Practically, everything fell into place. Doors kept opening, and the energy—what I identify with the Holy Spirit—was clearly pointing us here. It was a natural extension of discerning a diocesan role, and I was excited about what it might look like to serve in a different capacity.
Emily: How has your transition to diocesan ministry been? What have been the key differences from parish ministry?
Rob: It’s definitely a more administrative role. Instead of caring for one congregation, I’m connected to many across the diocese. I visit a different church almost every weekend, which has been a joy. I love meeting people, seeing different contexts, and sharing my own experiences.
I also enjoy working with clergy and those in the discernment process, which I didn’t have as much opportunity to do in parish ministry. While I’m not involved in the same day-to-day pastoral care as before, I get to support congregations and clergy. Being a sounding board, brainstorming, and dreaming with others is something I love.
Emily: You’ve mentioned thinking of a diocese as a “megachurch.” Can you explain that analogy and how it informs your work?
Rob: When people hear “megachurch,” they think of a large congregation with an arena-style worship space. But I mean it in terms of organization. Many megachurches have a central campus with satellite campuses, which operate like a diocese. In that sense, dioceses are the original megachurch.
The cathedral is the central campus, with the bishop as the chief pastor. Each parish functions as a “campus” with its own clergy. Seeing the diocese this way emphasizes that we are all part of one church. It helps break down silos and fosters collaboration, reminding us that we’re all on the same team.
This idea aligns with our upcoming diocesan convention theme, which will focus on Paul’s “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism.” It’s about embracing our shared identity as one body, made up of many parts.
Emily: With fresh eyes on West Tennessee, what excites you most about the Diocese? What confirms this move was the right call?
Rob: The people, without a doubt. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming and supportive. There’s a strong sense of community here, which excites me.
I’m also inspired by initiatives like the Do Good and Share grants. Seeing the creative ways congregations are living into their mission gives me hope for the future. Additionally, the diocesan staff and cathedral colleagues are a talented and passionate group. I hope congregations see them as valuable resources because they truly want to help and support our mission.
Emily: What message would you share with congregations that feel isolated or struggle with challenges?
Rob: First, know you’re not alone. Many congregations share similar challenges, both within our diocese and across the wider church. Second, there are resources available to support you. Finally, recognize your own gifts. Sometimes we get so used to our own space and struggles that we miss the potential and strengths we already have. Raising your hand and asking for help is a step toward realizing that potential.
Emily: You’ve spoken about the advantages of being a small diocese. How does our size allow for greater flexibility and impact?
Rob: Our size allows us to be nimble and responsive. We have resources that larger dioceses might not, and we can offer more individualized attention to congregations. Being smaller means we can act quickly on what God is calling us to do, without some of the bureaucratic hurdles larger systems face. It’s a unique position, and I think it sets us up for exciting opportunities ahead.
Emily: What’s feeding your spirituality right now? What are you reading or reflecting on?
Rob: A friend gifted me the Common Worship daily prayer book from England, which I’ve been using alongside body-based prayers, silence, and scripture reading. I’m also reading The Solace of Fierce Landscapes by Belden C. Lane. It explores prayer traditions, the difficulties of life, and how biblical metaphors of wilderness resonate with our spiritual journeys. It’s been a deeply meaningful book for me.
Emily: Is there anything else you’d like to share before we wrap up?
Rob: Just that I’m grateful to be here and excited about what we can accomplish together as a diocese. If anyone needs support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re all in this together.
