Dear friends,

On behalf of Session, I am pleased to introduce the Rev. Dr. Steven M. Marsh, our new Interim Executive Pastor/Head of Staff. 

The search committee for this position (Susie Graves (chair), Richard Duncan, Jo Ann Perkins, Amy Stephens, and Bruce Young) convened on 9/28/11 and reviewed 23 candidates after the required church information form (church information and statistics) was approved and posted in late December 2011. 

The committee was very intentional about selection of a “strong leader with vision and boldness to rally us” – a phrase from Preaching Minister, Randall Spindle’s March 4th sermon that resonated with the committee. Randall Spindle says, “We welcome Steve to the life of WPC and look forward to working together to continue and expand the ministry of sharing Christ’s love with our community.”

The following requisite skills led the committee’s search for an Executive Pastor/Head of Staff:

•    Spiritual leader with strong sense of commitment to the sovereign God and Lord Jesus Christ; grounded in his/her faith and “living it out” as evidenced in his/her personal and professional life

•   Supervisory/management skills with large church experience and ability to pastor a diverse membership with no personal agenda or ideology

•    Interpersonal and communication skills for team building, problem solving and proactive in personnel issues

•    Compassionate peacemaker and mediator to coordinate the staff team, and address congregational issues

•    Seasoned leadership skills and experience as moderator of session

•    A generalist with concentration in areas of adult discipleship and small group ministry

•    Analytical skills, understanding of church finances and programs, and equipped to assist lay leadership address vision goals

Steve has served in Presbyterian ministry for 29 years (ordained 1982). Thirteen of those years have been in Senior Pastor/Head of Staff roles. He has served churches in California, Pennsylvania and Kansas as well as worked as Assistant Professor of Religious and Philosophical Studies, Dean of Chapel and Vice-President for Spiritual Formation at Sterling College in Sterling, Kansas. Most recently he served as Executive Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Edmond, Oklahoma. Steve’s passion for ministry is rooted in the person and purpose of Jesus Christ and in bridging the gap between personal faith and social engagement.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from California State University. Steve began his theological studies at Fuller Theological Seminary where he received his Master of Divinity degree. The final year of his Master of Divinity was completed at Princeton Theological Seminary. Steve received his Doctor of Ministry degree at San Francisco Theological Seminary. Most recently he completed a Master of Philosophy degree at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. Steve’s academic pursuits have focused on historical theology, Reformed theology and John Calvin’s theology of salvation with a particular emphasis on his view of conversion.

Steve has served as a member and chairperson of various Presbytery committees. He currently serves on the Committee on Ministry in the Presbytery of Indian Nations. In addition, he serves on the Board of Trustees for Sterling College and is an active member of the Rotary Club of Edmond. 

Steve’s life and ministry demonstrate a deep commitment to evangelism. His dedication to discipleship and his love of teaching the Bible are equally important priorities in his ministry. Steve also brings the gift of leadership to his ministry settings.

Steve’s hobbies include golf, collecting baseball cards, exercising and reading. He is joined by his wife of 33 years, Janet, who has been a source of strength and blessing. 

Janet has always found her own place in ministry, participating in church activities and classes, handbell choir and entertaining in their home. She enjoys golf, water aerobics, sewing and painting. 

Steve and Janet have three children: Colin, 29 (wife Becca) who lives in Wichita, Kansas and works for Murfin, Inc.; Karis, 25 (husband Brian Gensch) a graphic designer also residing in Wichita, Kansas; Robby, 21 a junior at Bucknell University studying computer engineering and economics. They also have a six month old granddaughter, Breckyn Marsh.

Westminster will also host a reception for the Marsh family on Sunday, April 22. Join me in giving them a warm Westminster welcome into our church family. 

Sincerely,

David Pardue

Clerk of Session