I recently interviewed the Rev. Gary Jackson about his new position as rector at St. Mark’s in Cocoa. Since he is well-known throughout the diocese, I wanted to find out some things people may not already know about him or his position. Here’s what I learned:

The Very Reverend Gary Jackson

Although many people already know you, please tell us a bit about your journey to becoming rector of St. Mark’s in Cocoa.
My journey here really began at Asbury Theological Seminary, where I was praying and discerning God’s will for my ministry calling. At that time I was not an Episcopalian but began worshipping in chapel with the Episcopal students. This was my first exposure to the Book of Common Prayer and its liturgical practices. I was immediately hooked, and within a year was confirmed at Incarnation, Oviedo, and began learning from Father Jon Davis.

From there, things moved rather quickly as God seemed to open one door after another through the ordination process. Before I knew it I found myself completing my divinity degree in Anglican Studies at Nashotah House Theological Seminary. After graduation I became deacon-in-charge and then rector at Holy Trinity in Bartow, Florida. My wife and I tried to put down long-term roots there, but we sensed that something else would be asked of us.

As it turned out, my tenure at Holy Trinity was only five years. But God’s people in Bartow treated me wonderfully. It was truly a learning experience, and I owe much to them.

The fascinating thing about the call to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and Academy was that I did not submit my own name for consideration for the search because I had no interest in a parish with an attached day school. I could not have been more wrong. Once I interviewed and experienced both the parish and school I knew that, if called, we would be unable to say no. And so, four months later, here we are, working hard in a setting that consists of a transitional-size parish and transitional-size school. Both want to go to the next level and to be there yesterday.

What do you see for St. Mark’s in the coming year? Do you anticipate any plans or changes?
Since I’ve arrived, we’ve added a childcare worker, and we just hired a highly touted music minister, Kyle Jones. Kyle is already working toward building a children’s choir. At the same time, we are searching for a minister of children and youth. St. Mark’s received a diocesan grant for this, and we are moving forward quickly. I am vacating my office, which is too big for me, and intend it to become the future youth room.

Furthermore, I anticipate adding a Saturday-night contemporary or contemplative service sometime before the end of next year. Regarding the academy, we are pursuing a capital campaign that will expand our space by building on the adjacent lot. We are currently working with the city of Cocoa and architects to see what we will need to move forward with this overdue endeavor.

What is your role as Stewardship Commission Chair for the diocese?
As Stewardship Chair, I represent the Diocese of Central Florida at the annual TENS Conference (The Episcopal Network for Stewardship), which meets in the early summer. I have attended twice, and both times I brought back so much helpful information. I also arrange for stewardship speakers in our local deaneries when they are available.

The Diocese of Central Florida is a member of TENS, so all the stewardship material is free to us. If anyone would like the online password and login information to access these resources, please email me at rev.garyleon@gmail.com.

Please tell us a bit more about yourself.
I have been very fortunate on my spiritual journey to have a wonderful person walking with me. Christina and I have been married for 26 years, and if not for her encouragement I would never have returned to seminary mid-first career. Our oldest, Skylar, is married to Carolynn, and they’re expecting a baby girl on January 2. We’re all very excited, including our 8-year-old son, Noah, who can’t wait to be an uncle at his age.

To anyone who is considering ordination later in life as I did, all I can say is, count the cost, but don’t stop there. Count the cost and trust God who will supply all our needs in Christ Jesus!