(View all of Rebecca’s posts here)
I’m a cradle Presbyterian with parents who were raised American Baptist and Lutheran. The truth is I’m grateful to have been baptized, raised, and confirmed in a denomination where I was loved, nurtured, challenged, embraced, and sent out. While far from perfect, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has been a home for me live, breathe, struggle, question, pray, share, worship, and study. I was baptized near Houston, Texas as an infant and raised in Stillwater, Oklahoma. I first considered what it might be like to be a pastor in 6th grade confirmation class when one of my pastors shared stories about his childhood, and I suddenly realized he was a real person.
When I began studying at Oklahoma State University, I was in the business school looking toward aspirations in finance. After one summer as a church camp counselor (shout out to Dwight Mission!), I transferred to the College of Education. I had been running away from people telling me that I should be a teacher, and once I began classes in education, I knew I was where God wanted me to be. When I began my senior year of college, I had every intention of graduating and getting a teaching job. But God was (and is!) still at work, and I was paying attention (mostly). There were countless conversations with people asking me about a call to full-time ministry. In college, I also had a female pastor for the first time, and I was beginning to consider what it might be like for me to be a pastor.
I went to Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary where I learned a lot about myself, God, our world, and the Church of Jesus Christ. During and after seminary, I served churches in Austin, TX, Portland, OR, and Salina, KS before getting married and moving with my spouse to Dallas, TX. I currently serve First Presbyterian Church in Dallas as the Interim Associate Pastor for Congregational Life. I certainly don’t have this whole pastoring thing mastered, but I seek to follow Christ as I serve the church as a Teaching Elder, pastor, colleague, minister, friend, and life-long learner.
When I am not working, I love enjoying the life around me and exploring God’s creation! I enjoy cooking and trying new recipes, running, hiking, traveling, reading, and spending time with family. Because I bleed orange, I love cheering on the Oklahoma State Cowboys (and Cowgirls)! I love Mexican food, and I may even be addicted to chips and salsa. I cherish a good cup of coffee and time spent in reflection and prayer each morning.
(View all of Rebecca’s posts here)
