If you have a passion to serve the Church as a leader, we want you to have everything you need to proclaim the gospel and build up the church—clergy members and lay leaders alike.
As the Episcopal Church in Alabama, we create resources, programs, tools, and coaching designed to help you build up your parish and minister to our brothers and sisters throughout the state of Alabama.
We’re dedicated to you and always available for coaching, consulting, and questions.
Email Canon Kelley Hudlow >>
We’ve curated—and continue to curate—articles, books, and more so you can lead well in your own life and in the life of your parish.
Vestry Resources ECF Vital Practices >> Vestry Resource Guide >> Vestry Papers >> Manual for Church Business Affairs >>Beyond-seminary education to equip you to thrive in your current role and our changing world.
Deacon Handbook >>Stay connected to other leaders to share resources, experiences, and ideas.
To learn more about any of these programs and opportunities, schedule a call Rev. Cn. Kelley Hudlow, Canon for Vocations and Community Engagement. khudlow@dioala.org
This program is for the newly ordained, those in a new cure, or those new to the Episcopal Church in Alabama. It will help prepare you for your role in the Church using the methods of training in adaptive leadership.
Through peer learning and case-in-point teaching, participants will build a community of mutual support; explore and build adaptive leadership skills; and gain an understanding of the programs, ministries, and policies of the Diocese of Alabama. The program typically begins in August or September and runs for nine sessions with most sessions offered in person at Carpenter House.
The Diocese of Alabama provides regular opportunities for clergy to gather for continuing education, fellowship, and worship. Clergy Conference is a three-day gathering at Camp McDowell, typically held in the fall, that includes programming for clergy and clergy spouses. Additionally, one-day Clergy Formation Events are held throughout the year and offer time for continuing education or reflection.
In collaboration with Virginia Seminar, this mostly online program offers coaching and peer support in the effort to develop skills and invest in the well-being of our clergy.
Deacon Handbook >>Expand your knowledge and touch more lives as you connect Scripture with the life of your congregation to write and preach inspired sermons. To learn more about this program schedule a call with Rev. Cn. Kelley Hudlow, Canon for Vocations and Community Engagement.
Learn the basics about serving your parish as a Warden or vestry member:
The adult youth workers and volunteers serving our parishes belong to a group we call DYM (Diocesan Youth Ministers). We have the common goal of guiding young people in their faith journey, while we grow in our own faith along the path. To receive information about meeting times, locations, and topics, please email Jen Manning, Missioner of Youth, Campus, and Young Adult Ministries at jmanning@dioala.org.
Join one of our regional cohorts that offer support, accountability, and friendship for those who lead in our parishes. To learn more about our convocations, contact Rev. Cn. Kelley Hudlow, Canon for Vocations and Community Engagement.
Kelley works with leaders (lay and ordained) and with those in discernment and formation for ordained ministry. She was ordained a priest in November 2020 and has served churches in Birmingham, Heflin, and Roanoke. Kelley leads Leading in Hope, the Lay Preaching Course, and the Alabama Integrative Ministry School (AIMS) and helps shape continuing education offerings for clergy in Alabama. She is also available to lead adaptive leadership training for vestries and lay leaders. Kelley lives in Birmingham.