The Rev. Terry McGugan
Rector
Role:
I am the Rector of Christ Church. In common parlance, I am the senior pastor. I oversee, guide and direct the ministry and life of the church in partnership with the staff and the vestry. Again another churchy word which means the Board. I love to preach, lead worship, teach and care for the sick and suffering. Administrative responsibilities are a significant part of my role. Being of service to the people of God through the church is my life’s calling.
Church/Faith Background
I was born and raised in the Episcopal Church and therefore, really don’t know any other way of doing church or being a Christian. In spite of my limited exposure to other churches, I have a deep appreciation for all traditions because they exemplify the broad diversity of the church. At 24 yrs old I went off to seminary and was ordained a priest in 1992. I have served in the dioceses of Georgia, Atlanta, Milwaukee and Colorado. I have been a parish priest for over 30 years. I have served a little mission church in Camilla Georgia to large corporate sized churches like St. Martins in the fields in Atlanta. I came to Christ Church in 2013. It has and continues to be a joy to do ministry with the people of this parish.
Geographical Moves
I was born in Boston MA and moved to Hilton head Island SC when I was in the third grade. My family moved to Savannah GA where I did my High School years. I attended Emory University in Atlanta and worked for a couple years after school. I went to Nashotah House Seminary in Wisconsin and graduated from General Theological Seminary in New York City. I returned to the diocese of Georgia and served two small missions in SW Georgia. I took a call to St. Martins in Atlanta and then to St. Michael’s Church in Racine Wisconsin where I served as the rector for 17 years. I came to Denver and Christ Church in 2013 and have wondered what took me so long to get to Colorado. I love it.
Family Connections
I am married to JoEllen and have two grown children, Zech and Lydia, who are both married and starting families. My daughter lives here in Denver and my son in Milwaukee. My parents live in Amelia Island, Florida. They are in their 90’s and going strong. My siblings live across the south east.
Interests/hobbies
I am a very active person. I love road biking, skiing, 4×4 off roading and pickleball. Anything really that can get my heart rate up. I have been told I am an adrenaline junky. I also love to read fiction. I am a sucker for a good story. My wife and I have a little yorkiepoo named Rufus who keeps us on our toes. We enjoy camping and wiping the court with folks in pickleball. Life is good.