In the spring of 2017, The Episcopal Church approved a grant of $100,000 for a church plant in Parker County, site of the Walsh development, the largest buildout in the United States at that time. The diocesan leadership “raised their eyes and looked at the fields” and believed it was time to see what God was doing in that part of our diocese.
The Rev. Hunter Ruffin was hired to lead the church plant effort and a church planting team comprised largely of members of The Episcopal Church in Parker County was formed and set to work preparing the field.
The team met for Bible study and worship, had a visible presence in numerous community events, went door to door inviting people to join the church plant, and generally became a visible presence. They worked hard and courageously at discerning what God wanted from us at this time.
What they learned is that they were ahead of the growth curve. Despite faithful efforts by the church planter and the church planting team, it became increasingly clear that the components necessary for a successful plant are not present in eastern Parker County at this time. With the help of an experienced church planting consultant, the church planting team came to this difficult, but necessary and appropriate, decision.
Still, seeds have been planted. We await the time of germination.
Members of the church planting team met in fellowship and worship together on Sunday, February 25, to acknowledge their work and accomplishments in the church planting effort.
The Episcopal Church of Parker County (aka St. Francis Episcopal Church) remains a mission station of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth.
Ruffin will continue to be employed by the diocese until wrap-up activities are complete.
Throughout this process, Ruffin and the church planting team have communicated regularly with Bishop Scott Mayer.
“I am grateful for the work and dedication of Hunter and the church planting team in Parker County. They have planted seeds that will bear fruit in the future. May God bless all who have been involved in this effort,” said Bishop Mayer.