A Season of Pastoral Transition
With deep gratitude for faithful leadership, we share that The Rev. Dr. Agnes W. Norfleet, our Head of Staff and Senior Pastor, announced her retirement, effective October 31, 2025.
In the Presbyterian Church (USA), pastoral transitions are navigated with care, prayer, and collaboration between the congregation and the Presbytery. In June 2025, the Session appointed an Interim Pastor Search Committee, which worked throughout the summer and fall and, in November, announced The Rev. Dr. John M. Willingham as our Interim Senior Pastor.
We are committed to transparency, engagement, and discernment throughout the search for BMPC’s next Senior Pastor. We will post updates here on our website and in the Atrium about our progress in the search process. We invite the congregation to join us in prayer and active participation as we walk together into God’s future with confidence and faith.
March 2026
Step 1a
The Mission Study Task Force (MSTF) was elected by the Session on 3/10/26. Its membership consists of Elliot Dee, Katie Hirt, Ariel Gonzalez, Peggy Gregg, Paul Gunther, and Tom Willcox (moderator).
May 2026
Step 1b
A Mission Study Survey was mailed to all members of the congregation in mid-May. Your feedback will help shape our future priorities and vision. The survey takes about 15 minutes; responses are anonymous, and participation from all members is encouraged. Please complete the survey by June 15, 2026. Your voice is an important part of this discernment process.
July 2026
Step 1b
The Mission Study Task Force has been working diligently. The team of six Bryn Mawr members developed a survey that 494 people completed—an excellent result—and now are busy distilling the information offered.
Along with basic demographic details about age, length of time as a member, and whether one has a child under the age of 18 at home, the survey answers share many terrific insights. Individuals revealed how they are currently participating in church life, what feeds them spiritually, and the traits they most want in the next Senior Pastor. Respondents shared perceptions as to how well BMPC is living out seven facets of ministry and how important those same strengths and values are to the individual completing the survey.
In addition to quantifying those results, the Task Force is working to pull together a description of the congregation’s history and membership trends, financial health, and the communities from which BMPC draws. All of those pieces will comprise the Mission Study that is produced, providing an introduction of the church to candidates and helpful insights for a Pastor Nominating Committee that will seek the right person as your next Senior Pastor.
The Task Force is hoping to present its results to the Session in September. After approval, it will go to the Presbytery of Philadelphia’s Commission on Ministry. That group could endorse our Mission Study within a week’s time. Approval by that regional council also includes permission for the BMPC Nominating Committee to begin forming a Pastor Nominating Committee. The PNC could be elected by the congregation this fall.
On Sunday, October 4, at 11:15 a.m., there will be a gathering led by members of the Mission Study Task Force. In that moment, we can see the document they have prepared. It will also be an opportunity for us to ask any questions about the process and the Mission Study that resulted. That meeting also concludes the work of the task force.
Please continue to pray for the team as they continue to engage in this vital work on behalf of BMPC. If you have questions or concerns about this time of transition, please raise them with the Rev. John Willingham. In the meantime, know that like you, we eagerly await the completion of the Mission Study and discovering what it has to say about us as a body of faith.
