Presbyterian Mission Agency ordination Archives

Voices of young adult delegates given space by PC(USA) Co-Moderator

Posted March 8th, 2023

The Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis, Co-Moderator of the 225th General Assembly (2022), gathered with a group of young adult delegates and young adult volunteers (YAVs) at the close of the second day of the 67th Commission on the Status Women Tuesday to share stories and experiences as young adults in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). It was an open space with frank and vulnerable discussions, so the names of the young adults are not included in this report to respect them and their voices.

Pioneering transgender minister lets her light shine

Posted March 23rd, 2022

The Rev. Dr. Erin Swenson finally met someone who shared her experience of being a transgender woman in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Following her call, no matter the path

Posted July 26th, 2021

When Dr. Tamar Wasoian was a little girl, she’d pray, “I want to serve you, God; please show me how to do it.” This childhood prayer has turned into a life of service that has taken Wasoian from her birthplace in Aleppo, Syria, to her current home in Houston, on a journey she could never have imagined.

When physical touch is impossible

Posted March 8th, 2021

A Virginia congregation created handprint stoles as a way to virtually lay on hands on newly installed elders and deacons.

Celebrating 50 years of marriage by bringing hope to others

Posted February 17th, 2021

In retirement, the Rev. Fred Bunning delights in reading mysteries and solving puzzles. Fortunately, his wife, the Rev. Virginia Bunning, is not one of them.

PC(USA) offers guidance on baptism, ordination during the pandemic

Posted August 4th, 2020

The Office of the General Assembly and the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Office of Theology and Worship have together prepared a statement on the sacrament of baptism and services of ordination and/or installment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Crisis & Creativity

Posted June 20th, 2020

Creative endeavors — music, painting, baking, writing — can be a powerful outlet in times of crisis to free the mind from routines and foster growth.

More Light Presbyterians program and communications manager approved for ordination

Posted June 19th, 2019

More Light Presbyterians announced Tuesday that the Presbytery of the James has approved Jess Cook for ordination to Minister of the Word and Sacrament to the validated ministry position of the organization’s program and communications manager.

Help Wanted: Seeking Pastors

Posted August 17th, 2018

Growing up in South Africa, Bobby Musengwa couldn’t imagine coming to America to attend seminary. The path simply wasn’t visible to him — and he couldn’t imagine serving as a pastor. But it was his uncle’s friendship with Heath Rada, who later served as moderator of the 221st General Assembly (2014), that brought this possibility to light for him — and the mentoring community of professors, pastors, family and friends reinforced Musengwa’s call.

The before that makes beginnings possible

Posted March 9th, 2018

The Rev. Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon was ordained April 24, 1974, in Shelby, North Carolina by the Catawba Presbytery, in the Synod of Catawba. According to the Presbyterian Office of Information, the United Presbyterian Church listed 154 white women as ordained clergy at that time.