About Fr. Ron Pogue

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The Reverend Ronald D. Pogue is Interim Dean at St. John's Episcopal Cathedral in Denver, Colorado. Prior to coming to Denver, he was Interim Rector at St. John's Episcopal Church in Jackson, Wyoming, Christ Church Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Calvary Episcopal Church in Ashland, Kentucky, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Lexington, Kentucky, and Trinity Episcopal Church in Lawrence, Kansas. Before entering interim ministry, he was Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Galveston, Texas, and Canon Missioner at Houston's Christ Church Cathedral. For twenty-five years Ron was a United Methodist Pastor.

A native of Houston, Ron holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston, a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Houston Graduate School of Theology.   His doctoral project, "Equipping and Empowering Christian Leaders in the Congregation" reflects his conviction that in Baptism all Christians receive the same blessing and are called to the same ministry.  He is also a credentialed mediator and has been trained and certified in transitional ministry as a Professional Transitional Specialist by the Interim Ministry Network. His emphasis in ministry has been in the areas of stewardship, Christian formation, and evangelism. He has been a leader in the Church’s response to social concerns and advocacy for marginalized people in our society, including refugees, homeless persons, the unemployed, the mentally ill and handicapped, and persons with HIV/AIDS.

Ron is the creator and moderator of Unapologetically Episcopalian, a Facebook page devoted to celebrating the many positive ways the Episcopal Church is spreading the gospel.  He has been Dean of his convocation, a member of the Executive Board, chair of the Diocesan AIDS Commission, and Diocesan Ecumenical Officer. He has served two terms on the board of the Texas Conference of Churches. Representing the Church in service to the community, Ron has chaired the boards of Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, the Mental Health Association of Houston and Harris County, Houston Graduate School of Theology, and the Galveston Chapter of the American Heart Association. His community leadership has been recognized by the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Boy Scouts of America, and the National Association of Social Workers.

• At St. John's in Jackson Hole, he worked with the vestry and staff to expand the membership of all church committees and ministry groups, especially pastoral care, evangelism, and stewardship. His emphasis on stewardship as a spiritual discipline resulted in a 15% increase in the amount pledged and a 21% increase in the number of pledges, allowing several extraordinary sources of income to be used for outreach. He guided the endowment committee in development of a program to grow the endowment. Several organizational documents were updated. The parish resumed full payment of the diocesan assessment and balanced the budget. A new membership database was put in place, giving the membership secure access to an online pictorial directory. Ron led the congregation in increased emphasis on the ministry of the Chapel of the Transfiguration in Grand Teton National Park. A series of sacred conversations about serious topics (housing, healthcare access, gun safety, immigration) were held during Lent.

•  During his twenty-two months at Christ Church Cranbrook, he led the vestry, staff, and laity in pursuit of the missional priorities of the parish, resulting in a 34% increase in participation by children and youth, a 17% increase in worship attendance, a 10% increase in pledges, establishment of a legacy society to promote planned giving, raising over $150,000 for "hands on" outreach efforts, installation of a permanent free standing altar, more intentional effortst to practice radical hospitality, improved relations with the diocese, and a decision to send 100% of the apportionment for the first time in at least twenty years.

•  Ron's brief engagement as Interim Recor at Calvary Church in Ashland involved assisting the rector search committee successfully complete their task, while encouraging the congregation in pursuit of its ongoing life and mission, following a difficult ending of the relationship with a rector of fourteen years. The parish funded Blessings in a Backpack to provide weekend meals for 150 students at a nearby elementary school and had a fruitful fall stewardship emphasis in preparation for the arrival of their new rector.

•  As Interim at Good Shepherd in Lexington, Ron provided leadership for a $1.3 million campaign for a new pipe organ to enhance the exceptional music ministry of the parish.  He also upgraded the computer system, expanded electronic media, and upgraded the website.  Working with the parish Outreach Council, Ron led the establishment of a fund to provide matching grants to help Episcopal churches in the Diocese of Lexington establish backpack programs to provide weekend meals for children who are recipients of free or reduced lunch during the week in their elementary schools.

•  During his Interim year at Trinity Church in Lawrence, Ron shepherded the parish through the transition between rectors.  A particular emphasis in Lawrence was strengthening the church community and enhancing parish communications using a variety of technological resources, including an electronic newsletter, social media, and this blog. 

•  In Galveston, he was the spiritual leader of a diverse parish, responsible for leading the staff, presiding over the vestry and school board, and upholding the vision of the parish. At the same time, he provided leadership for a dual capital campaign to raise three million dollars for the church and school.

•  As Missioner at Christ Church Cathedral, Ron provided leadership for the outreach and evangelism councils, gave leadership in the Cathedral's efforts in the revitalization of its downtown neighborhood, and guided a strategic planning process.

In describing his personal mission and values, Ron stated, “I am called to foster hope, lead change, inspire action, and glorify God in the service of the Gospel of Christ, for the building up of the Church, and for the sake of the world. The promises I made at my ordination provide a rule of life: listen to others, study and teach, work collaboratively, become who and what I am, remain in intimate relationship with God."

Ron and his wife, Gay, have been married for forty-eight years.  Gay retired in 2010 after teaching ninth grade English for twenty-eight years and is a writer, artist, and iconographer.  They are the parents of two grown sons.

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