The Diocese of North Carolina shares today the news that the Rev. Canon Earnest Graham, who has faithfully served as the canon missioner for congregational vitality west region, is concluding his diocesan service at the end of this year for a return to parish ministry, where he will continue to serve God’s people in a new season of leadership and pastoral care.
“We talk a lot about ‘call’ and ‘discernment’ in the church,” said Graham. “In my years serving as Canon for Regional Ministry, it meant walking with churches, clergy, vestries and members through all sorts of changes – always trusting that somewhere, in the midst of it all, God is speaking to us, if we can slow down enough to listen. And sometimes, it leads in surprising directions. For me, in the last year, it has been my health – quite literally my heart. Coming out of surgery and recovering day by day, I hear the still small voice inside that tells me I long to be back in a church, serving as a priest. And what excites me about that possibility is ALL that I have learned and witnessed in the churches in our diocese, in working with our bishops, and an amazing staff who goes above and beyond every day. I am inspired by it all, and encouraged by what God is able to do in our communities when we dare to act in love, and I am, most of all, thankful.”
During his 10-year diocesan tenure, Graham offered his gifts generously, strengthening the diocese’s shared mission of supporting the work of congregational development and Building Beloved Community. His dedication and spirit have blessed both colleagues and the wider community.
“We are very grateful to Earnest for his ten years of service on our diocesan staff,” said Bishop Sam Rodman, bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina. “We are grateful for his openness to innovation in the life of the church, his connection and companionship with our congregations, and his passion for the gospel and its power to transform us. We fully support his discernment as he returns to parish ministry in this next chapter of his vocation and leadership in the church, and our prayers go with him.”
The diocese will begin search process in the weeks ahead and hopes to make a call by early 2026. Graham’s final day as regional canon has not yet been determined and will be announced at a later date.
Please join diocesan staff in offering prayers of thanksgiving for Graham’s ministry and for God’s blessing upon this next chapter.
