Meet
Our Rector
The Rev. Chris Duncan
Welcome The Rev. Chris Duncan
A native Texan from the Houston area, Chris graduated with honors from Texas A&M University and received his Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary. He has served congregations in Austin, TX, Katy, TX (suburban Houston), and Baton Rouge, LA. His first Sunday with us will be January 10, 2027.
Chris' Road to St. Luke's
2006
After graduating Texas A&M University, Chris worked as a writer for a communications consulting company that served many of the largest faith-based capital campaign firms in the country.
2009
Chris graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary.
2009 to 2012
Chris served as curate, then Priest for Mission, at Good Shepherd in Austin, Texas.
2012
Chris became Rector of St. Paul’s in Katy, Texas. During his time there, the congregation more than doubled in size and in giving. He also guided the parish through its recovery after Hurricane Harvey.
2018
Chris became the 24th Rector of St. James Episcopal Church and Day School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. According to 2025 parochial report data, St. James is now the largest Episcopal congregation in Louisiana.
2027
Chris and family move to Atlanta, Georgia where he becomes the 24th Rector of St. Luke's
Meet the Duncans
Chris and Casey have been married for 20 years. The Rev. Dr. Casey Duncan is also an Episcopal priest and serves as Head Chaplain at the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge. They met in high school at a diocesan youth retreat at Camp Allen in Navasota, Texas, and began dating at Texas A&M.
The Duncans have two children, Carolena, a high school sophomore, and Nils, who is in seventh grade. Two black cats, Boudreaux and Thibodeaux, known around the house as Boo and Tibs, round out the family.
FAQ
Do the Duncans have pets?
What does Chris do for fun?
How good is his gumbo?
Is Chris a football fan?
Join us in welcoming The Rev. Chris Duncan and his family in worship on
January 10 at 8, 9, and 11:15 a.m.
From Your Wardens
Sharon Gay &
Pat Brumbaugh
Dear St. Luke’s,
It is with joyful and hopeful hearts that we announce St. Luke’s has called its 24th rector: The Reverend Christopher Duncan.
Chris comes to St. Luke’s with more than 16 years of ordained ministry experience, including 14 years as a rector. He currently serves as rector of St. James Episcopal Church and Day School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he has led a season of growth, renewal, and partnership between the church and school communities.
What drew us to Chris was his warm, welcoming spirit. His energy and deep love for the Church are infectious. Combined with his intellectual curiosity, extensive knowledge of theology and scripture, and commitment to pastoral care and formation, these gifts position him well to lead our vibrant urban parish into its next chapter.
Widely respected throughout the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana and the broader Southeast, Chris is both a thoughtful priest and a proven leader. Throughout his ministry, he has guided congregations through periods of significant change and growth, with a strong record of stewardship, congregational development, and capital project management. He is passionate about the role of the Church in public life and believes deeply in the importance of urban ministry, civic engagement, and interfaith relationships.
Congratulations, Chris! We’ve been blessed through this period of mutual discernment and look forward to our future together.
As we celebrate this exciting moment, we also pause to give thanks.
First, we offer gratitude to our spirit-led Search Committee: Drew Putt, Jodi Black, Lindley Cole, John Earles, Caroline Fooshee, David Gillon, Lala Halsema, Scott Inman, Mary Kyle, Louis McLeod, Jason O'Rourke, Deneta Sells, Adelaide Steedley, and Carrie Teegardin. For nearly an entire year, this team worked diligently behind the scenes, envisioning the future for our parish: reviewing résumés, meeting with countless candidates, and praying and discerning together.
We are deeply grateful for their devotion to St. Luke’s and trust that God guided them every step of the way.
We also extend our sincere thanks to our clergy and staff during this season of transition. Their steady leadership sustained our faith while granting us this sacred time to heal. We are especially grateful to The Rev. Michael White, our Interim Rector, for his wisdom and pastoral care. Because of their dedication, St. Luke's has continued to live out its mission of praying, singing, and working together to love God and our neighbors.
Finally, thank you to each member of the St. Luke’s family. Your prayers and patience have been a life force and given us space to discern this next season. We are blessed by the strength of this parish community and grateful for the many ways God’s grace has shined throughout this journey.
Be sure to read Chris’s bio below and watch our video conversation linked in this newsletter. Chris’s first Sunday at St. Luke’s will be January 10, 2027. We look forward to welcoming him and his family and beginning this exciting new chapter in the life of our parish together.
Faithfully,
Sharon and Pat