This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Chip shares ideas about the meaning of friendship.

Rector, Christ Episcopal Church

Chip Edens is the rector of Christ Episcopal Church, a 5600 member congregation in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Chip is the moderator of the Faith Forum - a conversation about issues of faith and culture.

Over the last number of years he has led conversations with thought leaders - New York Times bestselling authors, theologians, artists, business leaders, and politicians - exploring subjects ranging from civic leadership, to health and wellness. These events draw an audience from around the region with between 400 to 1500 in attendance and are watched on the internet around the world.

In addition to his work in the church, Chip is committed to reaching leaders in other civic and cultural contexts. He engaged hundreds of leaders through his work with the Young President Organization and the World President Organization.

Chip is a 1992 graduate of Hampden-Sydney College and Yale Divinity School. He has studied organizational leadership at Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and the Wharton School. He has also studied at the Duke Center for Reconciliation and Justice.

He is a member of the board of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture and The Berkeley Divinity School at Yale.


About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)