By Elizabeth Barhydt
After more than a decade serving the Episcopal community in New Canaan, the Rev. Dr. Justin E. Crisp has taken the next step in his ministry. On June 8, Crisp was formally installed as the fifth rector of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Greenwich, capping a meaningful transition that began in early 2023.
Crisp, who first arrived at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in New Canaan as a seminarian while studying at Yale Divinity School, quickly became a beloved member of the clergy team. He was later appointed associate rector and theologian-in-residence, contributing to parish formation, youth ministry, and pastoral care.
“Our congregations teach us how to be priests. St. Mark’s has done this for me,” Crisp reflected upon his departure. “The love, the needs, and the gifts of the people drew out my spiritual gifts.”
Known for blending deep theological insight with pastoral warmth, Crisp became a fixture of parish life in New Canaan—officiating weddings, baptizing children, and supporting families during times of grief and joy alike. His thoughtful sermons and work with teenagers in confirmation class left a lasting impression on the congregation.
During his tenure, Crisp also earned his Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Yale University, specializing in Christian theology. But his calling always remained rooted in the local church.
“Justin has a rare combination of brainpower and the heart of a pastor,” said the Rev. Peter Walsh, rector of St. Mark’s. “He’s holy-headed and holy-hearted.”
His move to Greenwich was bittersweet for many in New Canaan. In a farewell celebration at St. Mark’s, parishioners expressed gratitude for his ministry with music, food, and laughter—including a surprise send-off modeled after his favorite TV chef, Ina Garten.
Installation at St. Barnabas
Crisp began his ministry at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Greenwich on Palm Sunday 2023. His installation, held on June 8, 2025, was officiated by the Rt. Rev. Jeffrey W. Mello, Bishop Diocesan of Connecticut. The ceremony featured traditional Episcopal liturgy, symbolic gifts of office, and remarks from clergy across the state.
Bishop Mello addressed the congregation with a reminder of the true center of Christian leadership.
“Justin is your rector. He’s not your savior,” the bishop said. “That job’s already been taken.”
During the service, Crisp was presented with the Bible, water, a stole, keys to the church, bread and wine—each symbolizing a part of his new role. In a prayer following the ritual, Justin offered these words:
“Make me an instrument of your salvation for the people entrusted to my care… In preaching, give me readiness of thought and expression. And grant that by the brightness of your Word, all the world may be drawn into your blessed kingdom.”
The preacher for the service, the Rev. Fleming Rutledge, titled her sermon “Justin Gets It,” drawing on Paul’s letters to the early church. She reminded the gathered that Crisp’s leadership would be grounded not in charisma but in theological clarity:
“God is the subject of the sentence—not us—to our joy and His glory.”
A Growing Parish
Since Crisp’s arrival, attendance at St. Barnabas has nearly doubled, and the children’s ministry has expanded rapidly. An average of 40 children now participate in programming each Sunday, led by Crisp’s wife, Dr. Jewelle Bickel, who serves as the parish’s new Director of Children’s Ministry. The couple’s daughter, Beatrice, and their pug, Val—known affectionately as the “dog in charge”—have also become part of church life.
Crisp now leads a staff that includes Associate Rector the Rev. Phoebe Oler, a Greenwich native, Director of Music Marnus Greyling, and a full choir and operations team. The church recently added a concert series, family events, and Sunday school outreach, deepening its role in the Greenwich community.
Despite the new setting, Crisp has brought a spirit formed in New Canaan.
“St. Mark’s taught me how to be a priest,” he said. “The clergy and people of St. Mark’s showed me what Christian community really means, how powerful it is when we seek to love one another and bring each other to Jesus.”
His former parishioners in New Canaan may now be watching from a short distance, but the impact remains near. And for Crisp, the path forward—rooted in tradition, enriched by scholarship, and guided by grace—is just beginning.
