The Rev. Tory Baucum called to be new Rector of Truro

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Vicki Robb
703-329-3356

Truro Vestry unanimously calls the Rev. Tory Baucum as the new Rector of Truro Church

Fairfax, VA, May 13—Jim Oakes, Senior Warden of Truro Church (2005-2007), announced today to the Truro family that the Vestry has unanimously called the Rev. Tory Baucum as the new rector of Truro. This follows a unanimous recommendation of Baucum by the Search Committee.

“After a two-year intensive search that spanned the Anglican Communion worldwide we are grateful to God for the amazing way in which the Truro Vestry was so unified in its decision to call Tory to Truro,” said Oakes.

“I am delighted with this decision to call Tory as rector,” said the Rt. Rev. Martyn Minns, Bishop of CANA (Convocation of Anglicans in North America) and current rector of Truro. “Tory is a gifted pastor and teacher with a demonstrated passion for evangelism. I am looking forward to seeing how God will use his gifts at Truro.”

Baucum is currently Associate Professor of Preaching and Church Renewal at Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, KY. He has a PhD in Intercultural Theology with expertise in the catechumenate, Christian revitalization movements and the history of preaching.

"I have watched with delight as Tory's gifts as a Christian communicator, as a leader, and as a compelling voice for Christ have indicated just how great an impact, under God, he may be for our Lord and for the Church,” said J. Ellsworth Kalas, President, Asbury Theological Seminary. “I rejoice in the door of opportunity that has opened for him at Truro."

The Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Lexington, KY agrees. “I have been truly blessed by my friendship with Dr. Tory Baucum,” said the Most Rev. Ronald W. Gainer. “The depth of Tory’s learning and love for Christ and the Church makes him a wonderful bridge-builder among believers,”

Baucum received his MA (1986) and M.Div (1988) from Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry, Ambridge, PA, and his doctorate from Asbury in 2005. Prior to teaching at Asbury, Baucum was the rector of All Saints Church, Kansas City, MO, and has served on the clergy staffs of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City and Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Little Rock, AR.

In addition to his position at Asbury, Baucum also serves as the Alpha International Associate Missioner, London, England.

Baucum, 47, was born in Pratt, KS. He is married to Elizabeth Tyndall Baucum, Esq., and they have three daughters, Isabelle Rose, 11; Amelia Tyne, 9; and Bridget Flanagan, 7.

"Tory Baucum is a true and gracious servant of God,” said the Rt. Rev. Prebendary Sandy Millar, Assistant Bishop of London and former Vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton, where the Alpha Course was founded. “His appointment to Truro is good news for everyone who looks forward to the growth of the church and the coming of God's Kingdom. Praise God!"

Letter from Truro Vestry Senior Warden

I will not forget that Saturday in April when the Vestry met together in retreat after receiving the Search Committee’s unanimous recommendation of Tory Baucum as Rector of Truro. We had spent the morning candidly sharing with one another, praying together, and reading scripture to each other. When it became clear that we were ready to take a vote, we went instead to the church and spent an extended time praying, reading the Word, and asking the Lord “What do You want us to do?”

When we returned to the Upper Room, it was clear that God had unified us in the most amazing way. We shared with one another what we learned in our prayer time in the church and then we voted.

The result was a unanimous decision to call Tory.

Tory is a man who deeply loves his family, his wife Elizabeth and their three daughters, Isabelle, Amelia, and Bridget. Tory is a pastoral leader profoundly centered on Jesus Christ. He has a passion for evangelism and is dedicated to teaching biblical orthodoxy while encouraging the transforming power of corporate worship centered on God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Tory and his family will arrive in August. We ask for your prayers for Tory and Elizabeth and their family as they prepare to move here from Asbury. May the Lord be glorified as we give thanks to Him for leading us through this extraordinary journey. Thanks be to God!

Jim Oakes, Senior Warden (2005-2007)
Truro Vestry

Tory Baucum's Acceptance Letter to the Vestry

Dear Truro Vestry,

This is an easy and joyous letter to write.

Over the past several months of conversations I have grown to feel a deep pastoral concern and affection for Truro Church. Like Paul, I found myself desiring “to share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—or rather so that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine” (Romans 1:11–12). I am honored and thrilled that you have called me to be the spiritual leader of your parish family so this desire may be fulfilled.

So it is with great joy that we accept your unanimous call to be the Rector of Truro Church. We sense God’s call in your call; indeed, Elizabeth and I both believe that God has been preparing us for Truro as well as preparing Truro for us. Truro is a wonderful parish with an equally wonderful heritage. We are eager to build on that heritage for the kingdom of God. We believe that at this particular time in the life of the Anglican Communion, Truro holds great promise to bind up the wounds of the church and its tradition rather than exacerbate them; a vocation which lies very much at our core.

I can’t wait to work and walk with you. See you in August!

Very Warmly in Christ,
The Rev. Tory Baucum