Living Our Calling: The Priesthood of All Believers, An Invitation and a Celebration

Letter From the Pastor

Revelation 1:5-6 (CEV) Jesus was the first to conquer death, and he is the ruler of all earthly kings. Christ loves us, and by his blood he set us free from our sins. He lets us rule as kings and serve God his Father as priests. To him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen.

Living Our Calling: The Priesthood of All Believers

An Invitation and a Celebration

Watch my Commencement Saturday June 14th at 10 a.m.

https://www.fuller.edu/watch/

This weekend, I will walk across the stage to receive my Doctor of Ministry degree. After years of study, prayer, writing, and reflection, I’m excited to share with you the heart of my work—something that touches each one of us deeply: the Priesthood of All Believers.

This powerful idea comes straight from Scripture. In 1 Peter 2:9, we’re reminded:

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation…”

And again in Revelation 1:6, we hear that Christ has made us to be a kingdom of priests.

So what is the Priesthood of All Believers? In short, it means that every baptized Christian—not just clergy—is called to serve God’s mission. We all have direct access to God through Jesus Christ and are invited to participate in God’s work through worship, service, love, and witness.

In my research, I explored how this concept has shaped both Scripture and church history. I reflected on the communal nature of Christian love, the dignity and calling of laypeople, the inner life of authenticity and spiritual wholeness, and the truth that baptism itself commissions each of us to serve. Together, these ideas affirm that the church’s mission belongs to all of us.

This is the heart of my dissertation—and truly, the heart of our shared life as followers of Christ.

I’d be honored if you would join me (virtually!) as I graduate. The commencement service will be livestreamed this Saturday at 10 a.m. You can watch it here: https://www.fuller.edu/watch/

Thank you for walking with me on this journey. Let us continue walking together as a royal priesthood—each of us ministers of God’s grace in the world.

With gratitude,

Pastor Anny+

The Rev. Dr. Anny Genato+

Rector, St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church