THE REV. DEBRA GORDON

Deacon Debra

Parish Life

My ministry at Christ Church began in 2011 as the Director of Children's & Family Ministries, a role in which I served until 2018 when God redirected me to oversee communications more strategically within the parish and the community, and later as the Director of Parish Life.

In an unexpected turn of events, God opened new doors to pastoral ministry with a confirming call to the diaconate order, and in 2022 I was ordained at Christ Church Vero Beach by Bishop Lebhar to serve as a Deacon within the Gulf Atlantic Diocese. I continue to serve in parish ministry as the Deacon of Parish Life, working to help people develop healthy connections with God, with one another, and throughout our community along their spiritual journey.

My own spiritual journey began in early childhood and was enriched by Christian relationships and experiences interwoven within home, church, and community life near Tampa, Fla. After receiving a degree in Communications & Education in agricultural sciences from the University of Florida, I worked in a variety of marketing, public relations, and educational positions. Currently, I am pursuing a Master's Degree from Trinity School for Ministry with an emphasis in Catechesis and Christian Formation.

Romans 12:12 says to “be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” and such is a keystone of my personal journey and ministry as I seek to embrace the charge of Proverbs 3:5-6, trusting the Lord in all things rather than my own understanding of them. God is always faithful, standing by His Word and fulfilling His promises.

Ever ready for a travel adventure, I also enjoy down time by the pool, at a piano, or curled up with a good book. My college sweetheart, Matt, and I have two adult children: our son, Andrew, is working on a college degree in Biology, and our daughter, Gracie, is on active duty in the United States Marine Corps.