Trinity Episcopal Church, Tulsa
Executive Summary - Parish Profile Report
A comprehensive assessment of parish identity, strengths, and vision for the future.
Study Overview
Trinity Episcopal Church conducted an extensive parish self-study featuring 150 survey
responses (98.7% completion rate) and comprehensive focus groups, providing robust insights
into parish identity, ministry effectiveness, and future vision.
Who We Are
Demographics & Community
● Mature congregation with 58% aged 65-84, reflecting deep institutional knowledge and
commitment
● Highly educated (80% bachelor's degree or higher) and geographically accessible (91%
live within 30 minutes)
● Authentically inclusive with 15.5% LGBTQ+ representation—significantly above national
averages
● Strong long-term commitment: over 60% have attended Trinity 6+ years
Core Identity Elements
● High Church Excellence: Exceptional sacramental ministry and musical tradition
serving as spiritual cornerstones
● Progressive Inclusivity: Rare combination of traditional Anglican worship with affirming,
social justice-oriented values
● Sacred Space: Beautiful downtown sanctuary described as a "thin place" where God's
presence is deeply felt
● Community Culture: Strong sense of church family with robust volunteer engagement
(87% active service)
What We Do Best
Exceptional Strengths
● Sacramental and Eucharistic celebration (48% rated exceptional)
● Outstanding music program and choir excellence (40% rated exceptional)
● Authentic inclusive, welcoming community culture
● Strong financial commitment (83% pledge, 69% give additionally)
● Active social justice engagement, particularly through Iron Gate ministry
● Strategic downtown location with excellent accessibility
Ministry Engagement
● High volunteer participation across liturgical roles (ushers, lectors, greeters, choir)
● Strong lay ministry culture with meaningful service opportunities
● Financial generosity reflecting deep parish commitment
Growth Opportunities
Priority Areas for Development
● New Member Outreach: 45% identify evangelism and visitor integration as needing
improvement
● Youth and Family Ministry: Critical need for demographic renewal and programming
for younger generations
● Communication and Transparency: 39% seek improved decision-making processes
and information sharing
● Community Visibility: Opportunity to leverage downtown location for greater civic
engagement
Our Vision for the Future
Strategic Aspirations
● Become an active downtown neighborhood church with enhanced community presence
● Achieve demographic renewal while honoring liturgical traditions
● Expand programming for youth, families, and diverse community needs
● Build sustainable financial model supporting ambitious ministry goals
● Serve as a beacon of progressive Episcopal witness in conservative Oklahoma
Leadership Profile
Essential Qualities for Our Next Rector
● Pastoral Excellence: Outstanding relational skills with proven crisis intervention and
pastoral care abilities
● Preaching and Teaching: Intellectual rigor combined with engaging, contemporary
relevance
● Administrative Competence: Strong organizational skills, financial oversight, and staff
leadership capability
● Progressive Commitment: Deep appreciation for LGBTQ+ inclusion and social justice
ministry
● Sacramental Leadership: Excellence in liturgical leadership with appreciation for high
church tradition
Preferred Experience
● Proven parish growth and new member integration success
● Community engagement and civic involvement background
● Youth and family ministry development experience
● Fundraising and stewardship leadership capabilities
● "Well-seasoned" professional with real-world experience beyond seminary
Our Unique Position
Trinity represents a distinctive market position in Oklahoma: a downtown Episcopal church
successfully combining traditional Anglican worship excellence with authentic progressive
inclusivity. Our congregation includes both lifelong Episcopalians and many who have found
spiritual refuge here after journeys from other faith traditions.
We are committed to maintaining our liturgical excellence and inclusive culture while embracing
necessary changes for growth and community impact. Our vision is "thoughtful
renewal"—honoring beloved traditions while strategically positioning Trinity for generational
sustainability and expanded ministry.
Financial Foundation
Trinity demonstrates strong financial health with high pledge participation (83%) and generous
additional giving (69%). Current priorities include reducing endowment dependence through
enhanced stewardship and developing sustainable revenue models to support expanded
programming and building maintenance.
Next Steps
Trinity is positioned for strategic growth through:
● Enhanced new member integration and retention systems
● Systematic youth and family ministry development
● Improved communication and transparency initiatives
● Expanded downtown community engagement
● Exceptional rector selection supporting transformation goals
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This summary represents key findings from Trinity's comprehensive parish self-study conducted
in 2025. For more information about Trinity Episcopal Church, please visit our website or contact
the church office.
Trinity Episcopal Church
501 S. Cincinnati Avenue
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103