The Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida is excited to announce that Bishop Douglas Scharf has appointed Morgan Brownlee as Diocesan Missioner for Youth and Young Adult Ministries, effective August 1, 2025.
In her new role, Morgan will oversee all diocesan youth and young adult programming, with a particular focus on building relationships among youth leaders in our local congregations. Her passion for intergenerational community, youth leadership, and mission-centered ministry directly aligns with the mission and vision of our diocese.
“Morgan comes to us with a deep love for the Episcopal Church and a strong commitment to nurturing young people in their faith journeys,” said the Right Rev. Douglas F. Scharf, Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida. “I am excited to work with her as we expand youth programming and ministry formation across the Diocese.”
Born and raised in Bradenton, Florida, Morgan is a lifelong Episcopalian whose spiritual foundation was shaped by diocesan youth events such as Happening and New Beginnings. She has served in numerous leadership roles over the years, including as a diocesan summer camp counselor, co-head counselor, and is an active member of the Youth and Young Adult Visioning Committee.
For the past six years, Morgan has served as the Youth and Families Minister at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church in Valrico. Prior to her ministry work, she was an elementary school teacher for six years. She is also a certified Peer Ministry Leadership trainer, focused on empowering student-led leadership across all areas of church life.
“I believe in the power of intergenerational and mission-focused faith communities, grounded in the rich traditions of our Episcopal liturgy, ” said Morgan Brownlee. “I’m passionate about inspiring youth to live fully into the mission of the Church—not someday, but today. When we empower young people as the leaders they already are, we build a stronger, more faithful foundation for the Church.”
Outside of her ministry, Morgan enjoys being on the water, visiting Disney World, cooking, solving puzzles, reading, and spending quality time with her husband, Alex, and their two children, Oliver (4) and Jane (1).
Please join us in offering a warm welcome to Morgan as she prepares to step into this vital ministry role.