The Episcopal Parish Network (EPN) 2026 gathering will conclude with a compelling keynote from the Rev. Steven Tomlinson, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Leadership and Administration at Seminary of the Southwest. In a session titled “The Living Story of Faith: Grace, Imagination, and What Comes Next,” Tomlinson will draw together the themes and wisdom of the week, inviting attendees into a deeper reflection on the Church’s unfolding journey.
Tomlinson brings a wide-ranging background to this keynote. He holds a Ph.D. in economics from Stanford University and previously taught economics and finance at The University of Texas at Austin for 17 years, where he designed and directed the MBA professional development program. He also coaches and consults with leaders across Wall Street, Fortune 500 companies, and high-tech start-ups on communication and leadership strategy. Beyond academia, he is an accomplished playwright and performer whose award-winning solo shows have appeared in Austin and off-Broadway.
Known for his gifts as a storyteller, theologian, and teacher, Tomlinson will guide participants beyond strategies and solutions toward discerning the “living story” being woven through their time together. He will highlight key patterns expected to shape the week: the courage to face difficult truths, the willingness to be repaired and renewed, the hope nurtured in community, and the joy found in lifelong formation.
Using humor, narrative, and spiritual insight, Tomlinson will emphasize that the Church’s relationships, imagination, and witness reveal God at work in the world. He will remind attendees that both EPN and the wider Episcopal Church are part of a vibrant and interconnected body—one that equips leaders, strengthens parishes, and boldly envisions the future.
As the conference draws to a close, participants will leave renewed in faith and imagination, charged with building a Church that listens deeply, leads with grace, and meets the present moment with creativity and hope.
Find out more about Tomlinson’s keynote and the EPN conference here.
