We thought that it could be valuable to explain some of the thinking that goes into scheduling ministers at Bryn Athyn Church services. One big factor: we are trying out having a designated Coordinating Pastor for each of our worship services—Jeffrey Smith for the Young Children’s Service, Coleman Glenn for the Informal Family Service, Malcolm Smith for the Family Service, and Derek Elphick for the Adult Service (and for Community and Festival Worship Services). John Odhner, who works part-time for Bryn Athyn Church and the General Church Office of Outreach, will continue to assist with all of the services but with a particular focus on the Informal Family Service. All of Bryn Athyn Church pastors will take turns serving at our four regular services and will also be more present (preaching or hosting) at the service for which they are the Coordinating Pastor.
We also see a value in each of our full-time ministers having a chance to preach to the whole congregation. Derek and Malcolm will continue to alternate leading the Community Worship services. This year, Jeff will lead the Thanksgiving service and Coleman will lead the Christmas Eve services.
We are also very blessed to have many guest ministers in Bryn Athyn that we can call upon to preach at our different services, including our three bishops -- Peter Buss, Jr., Brad Heinrichs, and David Lindrooth -- the ministers who serve at the Academy Secondary Schools and Bryn Athyn College, and other ministers who live locally. The Coordinating Pastor for each service is responsible for finding guest ministers for that service. What’s the right balance of guests to staff ministers? If you have thoughts about that, talk to the Coordinating Pastor of the service in question.
We encourage you to get invested in the service that best serves you and/or your family. Sign up to receive emails about a specific service and/or to serve in some way at that service by going online at brynathynchurch.org/get-involved. Each of the Coordinating Pastors will be working with the people who come to that service to get their feedback. We’d love to have your input and involvement.