On March 14, 2016, Bishop Paul was elected by the Vestry and Search Committee as Rector of Christ Church Plano. Ten years later, the anniversary marks not only a milestone of longevity but a decade of faithful pastoral leadership that has shaped the life of the congregation, strengthened the wider Anglican Church, and deepened Christ Church’s role within the Global Anglican Communion. This past Sunday, our current wardens, Thomas John and Linda Bowen, along with past wardens who have served with Bishop Paul, marked this anniversary with a time of prayer during our Sanctuary services.
Those who have walked alongside Bishop Paul often point first to the steadiness of his ministry. A decade of leadership in a single congregation is no small thing. It reflects perseverance, grace, and a sustained commitment to shepherding God’s people over time. Leaders across the Anglican Communion have noted how Christ Church has flourished during these years—marked by vibrant worship, a deep commitment to Scripture, and a strong sense of mission. As Alan Hawkins, Bishop Ordinary of the Diocese of Christ Our Hope, says, “The people of Christ Church are loved, well-taught, and strengthened.”
Under Bishop Paul’s leadership, Christ Church has also become more than a thriving local parish. It has increasingly served as a gathering place for Anglicans from around the world. Through conferences, partnerships, and hospitality to visiting leaders, the church has quietly become a hub of connection for the wider Anglican family.
The Chairman of the Global Anglican Council, Archbishop Laurent Mbanda, shared with Bishop Paul, “Christ Church has, under your leadership and by God’s providence, become in many ways a cathedral to the global Anglican movement — not by title, but by influence, hospitality, and steadfast proclamation of Christ.”
When asked about how he successfully wears multiple hats, Bishop Paul responded, “My first love, vocationally, continues to be as Rector of Christ Church. Shepherding this congregation, leading this staff, and preaching the Word week by week, is my greatest joy as a minister of the Gospel. I can do my regional and global work only because my local foundation remains stable and prioritized daily.”
Part of what has sustained that ministry is the partnership of his family. Over the past decade, Monika and their daughters—Anabel, Sophie, Erika, and Kirralee—have shared in the calling of ministry life, offering quiet strength and faithfulness that has blessed the congregation. Their presence has been woven into the life of Christ Church in ways that many recognize and deeply appreciate.
Those closest to Bishop Paul often speak not only of his leadership, but of the convictions that guide it. Our Sub-Dean, Canon Jonathan Bailes, reflected on the personal impact of serving alongside him.
“When Paul hired me nearly eight years ago, I was an academic with little pastoral experience. Paul taught me how to pastor—how to lead, make hard decisions, be patient with those who are impatient, care well for my family, and entrust every pastoral burden to the Lord in prayer.
Above all, he taught me to trust God’s word to do the work. Paul is one of the most organized and strategic leaders I know, yet he truly believes the church grows not through strategy, but through the word of God—preached, studied, memorized, and recited. It’s the central conviction of his pastoral leadership, and I hope and pray it has become mine as well.”
That conviction—trusting the power of God’s Word to shape and grow the Church—has been a defining thread throughout Bishop Paul’s ministry. While strategy, leadership, and organizational skill certainly play their part, those who know him best point to a deeper commitment: the belief that faithful proclamation of Scripture is what ultimately transforms lives and sustains the Church.
Ten years is both a long time and only a chapter in the life of a congregation. Yet it is long enough to see the fruit of steady leadership: a church grounded in Scripture, vibrant in worship, generous in mission, and connected to the global body of Christ.
“Few leaders are entrusted with such breadth of service; fewer still carry it while remaining deeply rooted in local pastoral care,” Bishop Julian Dobbs, Dean of the ACNA, said of Bishop Paul.
As Christ Church gives thanks to God for this decade of ministry, the celebration is not simply about years served. It is about the faithfulness of God—at work through a shepherd who loves his flock, serves the wider Church, and continues to trust that the Word of God will do its work. As Bishop Paul said after Sunday’s anniversary prayers, “It feels like it has only been ten minutes, which feels like the Lord’s confirmation that we are just getting started, and the best is yet to come. To God be the glory, great things he has done!”
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