Conversations with Meredith Rogers

Today we’d like to introduce you to Meredith Rogers.

Hi Meredith, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, in a family deeply rooted in the Episcopal Church. My earliest faith formation came through choir, youth group, and especially summers at Camp Capers, where I discovered the joy of building community, holding space for others, and helping young people know they never had to go through life alone. Over time, my sense of call grew through ministry roles in summer camps along the Guadalupe River. Then through working in youth ministry at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in San Antonio. It was there, in the daily rhythms of walking with young people and families, that I realized I was ready to answer the call to ordained ministry. My journey has also been deeply shaped by coming out as a lesbian in the conservative context of Texas. That struggle taught me firsthand how God’s love is bigger than fear or exclusion, and it gave me a passion for creating communities where people can bring their whole selves before God. I entered Virginia Theological Seminary in 2021, where I have been nurtured by professors, colleagues, and a supportive partner. Now I serve as the Deacon-in-Charge, and soon Rector, of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Denver — a place whose progressive faith, creativity, and love for community resonate deeply with my own calling.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. My journey has included navigating tension around my sexuality, enduring periods of depression and doubt, and experiencing painful losses, including a family members death by suicide. Professionally, I’ve also faced challenges such as burnout in camp ministry and the complexities of working in church systems that weren’t always ready to fully affirm queer leaders. Yet these obstacles have shaped me into a deacon who understands both joy and suffering, and who believes God shows up most powerfully in our wounds. I carry those experiences with me as I seek to walk alongside others in their own struggles and celebrations.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Today, my work is rooted in parish ministry at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, though I am still fairly new there, beginning my work in July of 2025. Much of what I do is simply walking alongside people — in worship, in teaching, and in the ordinary moments of community. I care deeply about helping others know that they belong, and that God’s love meets them exactly where they are. In the past, I’ve worked in camp ministry, youth and family formation, and parish leadership. One of the projects dearest to me was helping to start a camp in Texas that welcomed LGBTQ+ youth and young adults — a space where many experienced the church’s embrace for the first time. What I’m most proud of isn’t any one program, but the small, holy moments where people discover they are not alone: a teenager finding their voice, a parishioner opening up in a hard season, or a congregation coming together in joy.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The quality most essential to my ministry is presence — the ability to show up authentically with people, whether in joy, grief, doubt, or hope. Alongside that, I would name resilience and hope. I see myself as someone called to stand with people in darkness and to remind them that there is always light. I strive to lead from the middle, sitting with people across differences and still seeing Christ in them. Striving to bring a blend of pastoral presence, authenticity, and collaborative leadership is what grounds my ministry and helps me walk faithfully with the people of St. Barnabas.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stbdenver.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stbdenver/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stbarnabasdenver
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stbdenver

Image Credits
Natalie Matthews, Michael Coston, Jim Esten.