Peter Elliott on Navigating Ministry and Creativity in a Changing Church

Future Christian

What can musical theatre teach us about faith and leadership? In this episode of the Future Christian Podcast, Martha Tatarnic sits down with the Very Reverend Peter Elliott, a retired Anglican priest, former dean of Christ Church Cathedral in Vancouver, and co-host of The Gospel of Musical Theatre. Dean Elliott shares his journey in ministry, offering insights on Christian leadership, the transformative role of music in worship, and adapting to the challenges of a declining institutional church. Highlights include Peter’s experiences with LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Anglican Church, his passion for coaching clergy, and his unique perspective on how musicals like Oklahoma! and My Fair Lady reveal gospel truths and social critiques.

Peter Elliott is a priest of the Anglican Church of Canada. Hailing from the Niagara Region of southern Ontario, his ministry has included leadership within the Anglican communion for the full inclusion of LGBTQ people and strong advocacy for a spirituality that promotes social and environmental justice. Over his 40+ years in ordained ministry Peter has served in senior positions internationally and nationally within the Anglican Church. A long-time resident of Vancouver, British Columbia, Peter was Dean of Christ Church Cathedral (1994-2019) and currently is a coach and consultant in private practice. He is a featured writer on arts and culture in the Anglican Journal-the national newspaper of the Anglican Church of Canada and has enjoyed working with the former Dean of Portland, Oregon, the Very Rev. Nathan LeRud as co-host of the podcast The Gospel and Musical Theatre. Peter’s husband Thomas Roach is an artist working primarily in textiles.

Relevant Links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Elliott_(Canadian_priest) - Peter has his own Wikipedia page!

https://www.echostories.com/peter-elliott-good-ancestors/

https://www.vancouverfoundation.ca/detail/peter-elliott/

https://gospelofmt.podbean.com - His podcast!

Presenting Sponsor:

Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world.

Supporting Sponsors:

Restore Clergy If you are clergy in need of tailored, professional support to help you manage the demands of ministry, Restore Clergy is for you!

Future Christian Team:

Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer

Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host

Paul Romig–Leavitt – Associate Producer

Dennis Sanders – Producer

Alexander Lang - Production Assistant