Leadership

“Let the one who leads be among the community as one who serves”

- Jesus (Luke 22)

Leadership at Christ the King

As an Anglican church, our leadership structure reflects our heritage. We are neither strictly hierarchical (like Roman Catholicism) nor purely congregational (like Baptists or non-denominational churches). Instead, we follow a conciliar model of leadership.

This means that the Rector (or Senior Pastor), other clergy, and lay members take prayerful counsel together under the broader oversight of our Bishop, seeking God’s wisdom for the vision and ministry of the church.

What is a Vestry?

In Anglican churches, leadership includes a council of elected lay members known as the Vestry. The name comes from the original meeting space—a “vesting” room where clergy would robe for services.

At Christ the King, the Vestry is chaired by the Rector (a voting member) and supported by several key officers:

  • Senior Warden (appointed by the Rector)

  • Junior Warden (appointed by the Vestry)

  • Clerk (a Vestry member who records minutes)

  • Treasurer (an officer who does not sit on Vestry)

Once a Rector is called by both the Vestry and the Bishop, he has tenure. For that reason, a strong, trusting relationship between the Rector and Vestry is essential. Healthy leadership depends on clear roles, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.

  • As the spiritual head of the congregation, the Rector is responsible for:

    • Overseeing worship and ensuring services reflect the faith and mission of the church

    • Preaching and teaching the Holy Scriptures; interpreting the Bible for the spiritual edification of the congregation

    • Caring for souls, including pastoral care and Christian formation

    • Presiding over Vestry meetings, or designating someone to do so

    • Living a life of prayer and devotion, serving as a godly example to the congregation

    • Leading staff, including hiring, supervising, and—when necessary—terminating employment

    • Stewarding the campus, ensuring that all activity on church property aligns with the church’s worship and mission

    In all of this, the Rector is called to lead with a blend of boldness and humility, spiritual and personal maturity, and a commitment to growth as an under-shepherd tasked to care for Jesus’ flock.

  • The Vestry shares leadership with the Rector as the elected representatives of the parish. It also serves as the legal authority of the church, responsible for managing the business and property of the parish. At Christ the King, the Vestry’s responsibilities include:

    • Providing for the financial support of the Rector and staff

    • Supporting the Rector’s ministry, especially in teaching, formation, and pastoral care

    • Maintaining a suitable place for worship, including the provision of essentials like Bibles, Communion elements, hymnals, and prayer books

    • Establishing appropriate insurance coverage for the church and its ministries

    • Encouraging biblical stewardship, modeling sacrificial giving and tithing to the parish

    • Resolving conflict biblically, following the principles of Matthew 18 and the CtK membership covenant (the “Hand-shake Vow”)

    In all things, Vestry members are called to model faithfulness, pursue spiritual maturity, strive to lead with wisdom and clarity, and promote the mission and values of the church.

  • We look for individuals whose lives reflect what we call the “5 C’s”:

    • Character – Is there visible fruit of conversion in their life?

    • Charism – Do they show spiritual gifting for this kind of service?

    • Calling – Do they have a sense that God is leading them to serve?

    • Capacity – Do they have the time and margin to serve well?

    • Competency – Do they bring skills and maturity that will bless the church?

    Terms of service vary:

    • Wardens serve for two years

    • Members at-large serve for three years

    • No one may serve more than five consecutive years

According to Holy Scripture, church leaders should be blameless stewards of God, neither self-willed, nor quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, and not greedy for money. They should be hospitable, lovers of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, and self-controlled. They should hold fast to God’s word as they have been taught, that they may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. Learn more by reading 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 in the New Testament

Vestry and Parish Officers 2025 

  • Chris Bridgeman

    Senior Warden

    Chris will serve until early 2027

  • Matt Giltmier

    Junior Warden

    Matt will serve until early 2028.

  • Matt Williams

    Member At-large

    Matt will serve until January 2027

  • Hart Smith

    Member At-large

    Hart will serve until January 2027

  • Yvette Hallonquist

    Member At-large and Clerk

    Yvette will serve until January 2028

  • Rion Moore

    Member At-large

    Rion will serve until January 2028

  • Duane Knight

    Member At-Large

    Duane will serve until early 2029.

  • Charla Cook

    Member At-Large

    Charla will serve until early 2029.

  • Brenda King Chapman

    Parish Treasurer

  • Chase McGill

    Parish Chancellor (Attorney)

  • John Cook

    Parish Asst. Chancellor (Attorney)

Diocesan Leadership

Christ the King is part of the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina, led by Bishop Chip Edgar. Based in Charleston, Bishop Chip serves as the spiritual overseer of our diocese and visits CtK annually to preach, lead worship, and administer Confirmation and related rites. Our connection to the bishop reminds us that we’re part of something larger than ourselves—a church rooted in tradition, supported by community, and sent out on mission.

Supporting the work of the bishop in the Grand Strand stretch is our Area Dean, Rev’d Gary Beson. Gary also serves as the Rector of our sister church, Prince George Winyah.

Bishop Chip Edgar

Dean Gary Beson