St. Philip’s Frisco is excited to welcome The Reverend Clayton Lee Elder to their clergy staff as Vice-Rector beginning Sunday, July 10th . Fr. Clayton spent the past 6 years as Rector of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church & School in Beeville, Texas, where he oversaw the expansion and renovation of the church and school, launched evangelistic and outreach ministries, led local community organizations and more.
Given his unique background and experience in Theology, Business and Education, Fr. Clayton will serve both St. Philip’s church and Episcopal School as part of his new ministry in Frisco. While teaching a religion class and leading chapel at the upper school, he will also help market and develop the school as well. His knowledge and experience as Rector of St. Philips, Beeville, TX will be put to work immediately in the ministry life of the church and especially a new Saturday service currently in development.
"God placed Fr. Clayton on my heart and mind as the perfect ministry partner to help grow and lead our church into the future” says The Reverend Greg Methvin, Rector of St. Philip’s Frisco. “Clayton is uniquely gifted to reach people for Christ and multiply ministries entrusted to him. I’m so excited he will be investing his great love for people and contagious faith with us in Frisco."
Prior to leading his former church in Beeville, Fr. Clayton served as the Associate and Curate of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Dallas, TX, for two years. There he also served as Priest-in-Charge of The Crossing at St. Luke’s, a contemporary service which he was charged with creating as a part of evangelistic efforts to reach new audiences.
Before his call to the priesthood, Fr. Clayton served God as a teacher and coach in both private and public schools, and has worked in marketing, production, and management both in his own business and in the corporate world. He brings a Bachelor’s Degree in English from SMU, Masters Degree in International Business from Webster University in Geneva, Switzerland, and Masters Degree in Divinity from Perkins School of Theology at SMU to his new work at St. Philip’s Frisco.
Fr. Clayton and his wife, Jodie (a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) are also the proud parents of their son, Payton (7) and daughter, Jordan (4). Please join us in welcoming the Elders to Frisco!