Our History

Christ Church Episcopal has a story rooted in resilience, grace, and a deepening sense of mission. Originally founded as the Church of the Holy Spirit, the congregation faced a defining moment in 2005 when a significant portion of its membership departed amid denominational tensions within the wider Episcopal Church. A small but committed group chose to remain, re-forming as Christ Church Episcopal and continuing the Episcopal witness at 10901 S. Yale Avenue in Tulsa.

The early years were marked by faithful perseverance. With just a handful of members and a significant mortgage, the community relied on prayer, commitment, and support from the Diocese of Oklahoma to sustain its ministry. In 2011, Christ Church entered a season of revitalization when the Rev. Everett Lees was called as vicar. His leadership, in collaboration with dedicated lay leaders and the Vestry, helped guide the church through a period of intentional growth and renewal.

From the start, the revitalization effort focused on clarity of purpose: doing a few things well, rather than trying to do everything. The congregation invested in children’s formation, launched scripture-based small groups, and created space for spiritual reflection through retreats, seasonal classes, and engaging liturgy. Music and worship were central to this renewal, with liturgical traditions honored and enriched by thoughtful preaching, meaningful Eucharist, and strong musical leadership.

Recognizing the changing demographics of the surrounding community, Christ Church made early investments in its children’s ministry — including the introduction of Godly Play, the hiring of a children’s minister before a large number of families had arrived, and creating welcoming space for young families. This commitment paid off, with a growing number of families now making Christ Church their spiritual home. Youth programs, retreats, and confirmation classes followed, all designed to support faith development at every age.

Christ Church also embraced its call to serve others through outreach and justice-focused ministries. During and after the pandemic, the church hosted outdoor worship services and community concerts, provided blood drives, packed meals, supported refugee resettlement efforts, and partnered with local organizations addressing food insecurity and housing needs. These initiatives — along with a regular rhythm of formation, fellowship, and worship — deepened the congregation’s understanding of its role in the wider community.

In 2013, the Diocesan Council recognized the parish’s vitality and voted to pay off the church’s mortgage —an act that released the congregation from a heavy financial burden and opened up new possibilities for ministry. This milestone marked a turning point in the life of the parish and affirmed the church’s growing health and promise.

By 2019, Christ Church was recognized as one of the fastest-growing Episcopal parishes in the country, with a renewed identity grounded not in numbers but in spiritual depth, community connection, and faithful witness.

The unexpected death of the Rev. Everett Lees in 2024 was a profound loss, felt deeply across the parish. His pastoral care, theological vision, and collaborative leadership helped shape the Christ Church we know today. As the congregation enters a new chapter, it does so with strong lay leadership, an active Vestry, and a continued commitment to the mission that has brought Christ Church this far: to follow Jesus, love people, and change the world.