[Diocese of Texas] The Rev. Canon Joann Saylors has accepted a call as canon for mission amplification the Diocese of Texas announced April 4. Bishop Andy Doyle noted that after an extensive search drew applications from across the country and Canada, the successful candidate was “right next door.”

Saylors, who will join the diocesan staff July 1, is currently canon for deployment and congregational development in the Diocese of West Texas. Her pre-seminary background as a CPA working in project management and team leadership, combined with her ministry in a parish and experience in congregational development, “distinguished her in a supremely talented field of candidates,” said Doyle.

“I am excited about Bishop Doyle’s vision for the future of the Church and grateful for the opportunity to help reimagine the place of the Church in the world, facilitating new and creative ways to live into God’s mission with the world,” Saylors said.

“Canon Saylors is the perfect fit for this critical position,” Doyle added, noting, “This was not an easy brief to fill, but I’m delighted that she shares our excitement for the diocesan vision and brings substantive giftedness and specific experience for the ministry that lies ahead.”

The Rev. Kai Ryan, canon to the ordinary and diocesan chief operating officer led the yearlong search. “Joann understands deeply the power of Christ’s love to change lives and communities and will add to Mary MacGregor’s excellent legacy,” Ryan said.

Saylors will lead the Mission Amplification Team’s five missioners to assist leaders and congregations to plant new communities of faith, both church plants and missional communities, and to nurture congregations and their leaders. The team provides coaching and consulting, as well as assessments and programs like cultural competency training and formation events. Additionally, the diocesan team helps congregations strategize and engage in effective action in response to opportunities and challenges. With the arrival of the new canon, the Mission Amplification Team will be able to support more congregations to enhance and expand their ministries to have an impact on their communities.

Saylors has served in her West Texas role since 2012, when she and her husband Rick relocated from Church of the Redeemer, Irving, in the Diocese of Dallas. She received her Master of Divinity from Seminary of the Southwest in Austin in 2010. Prior to ordination, Saylors was a financial systems and project management consultant. Born in Pennsylvania and raised in Dallas, she graduated from the University of Texas as a Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Plan II Honors Program and a bachelor’s degree in business administration in honors finance and accounting. She remains a licensed CPA.  She has served ex officio on a number of diocesan committees and as a member of the Board of Good Samaritan Community Services in San Antonio. She and Rick enjoy books, travel and spoiling their three dogs, as well as their quest to find the perfect breakfast taco.