St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
Staff & Leaders

Scott Ruthven

Fr. Scott Ruthven was called to be our rector at St. Andrew’s in 2003. He is a Doctor of Ministry as well as serving as Canon of Theology for the Diocese of the Rio Grande. He came to us with his family from a parish in Alamagordo and is a native of New Mexico. He was born in northern New Mexico and has served as a priest in southern New Mexico. He brings to our parish knowledge and understanding of New Mexico culture and traditions. Scott and Mary Jo were married in 1979. Mary Jo is involved in the children’s LOGOS youth program, the bell choir and other areas as her time allows with her outside employment. They have three children: Leah, born in 1983, Aaron, born in 1988, and Caleb, born in 1993. Fr. Scott brings a strong pastoral ministry to our members and provides an excellent role model of Christian kindness and loving. He was called to the priesthood at the young age of 12. It took 20 years for the Lord to prepare him for His service as a priest. He is a strong believer in lay ministry and St. Andrew’s is noted for its lay hospital ministry and a multitude of other lay ministries. His focus is on spiritual growth for each parishoner with congregational growth a secondary priority. He and Mary Jo feel that spiritual growth breeds congregational growth. The parish has flourished under his guidance. Fr. Scott believes we should be known as the “Church that Cares” and he brings that attitude to all his activities. As a downtown church, he is committed to the needs of the people of the area, and his door is always open.