Meet PTS

MEET TWO MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2020

The Rev. Dr. Derek S. Marotta (M.Div. ’06), D.Min./Missional Leadership

Ordination: The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

My M.Div. program at PTS was transformational, so when considering what God was calling me to do and become as a minister, I leaned on that good experience. I took some time away from my pastorate to seek God’s direction prayerfully; upon returning, the flyer for the D.Min. focus in missional leadership was on my desk.

Since God is already present and active in all the world, our churches need to find ways to enter into conversation with our host communities. We can do so through story-sharing—a focus of my D.Min. work.

The collaborative nature of the program fostered listening and discussion that incorporated our real world experiences. Space for creativity emerged in a new way for me to begin seeing how to become a better leader as I continue to pastor the people of Plains PC (Beaver-Butler Presbytery).

The Rev. Dr. Luke Maybry, D.Min./Christian Spirituality Focus

Ordination: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Having served in ordained ministry for a decade and feeling called to continue as a congregational pastor for the rest of my career, I was facing exhaustion in certain areas—particularly leadership on the session. I needed a refreshed understanding of what that meant theologically. Fellow pastors and other scholars highly recommended PTS’s D.Min. program.

The two weeks on campus every six months were exhausting, but almost exhilarating nonetheless. The faculty and colleagues in my cohort were terrific and the relationships with my faculty advisors very meaningful. The program gave me valuable tools to be a more faithful pastor for many years to come.

I continue to serve as pastor of Matthews (N.C.) PC. PTS helped develop my theological understanding of leadership in the local congregation. I aim to do the same for my elders and other colleagues in ministry.

MEET TWO MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2020

The Rev. Dr. Derek S. Marotta (M.Div. ’06), D.Min./Missional Leadership

Ordination: The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

My M.Div. program at PTS was transformational, so when considering what God was calling me to do and become as a minister, I leaned on that good experience. I took some time away from my pastorate to seek God’s direction prayerfully; upon returning, the flyer for the D.Min. focus in missional leadership was on my desk.

Since God is already present and active in all the world, our churches need to find ways to enter into conversation with our host communities. We can do so through story-sharing—a focus of my D.Min. work.

The collaborative nature of the program fostered listening and discussion that incorporated our real world experiences. Space for creativity emerged in a new way for me to begin seeing how to become a better leader as I continue to pastor the people of Plains PC (Beaver-Butler Presbytery).

The Rev. Dr. Luke Maybry, D.Min./Christian Spirituality Focus

Ordination: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Having served in ordained ministry for a decade and feeling called to continue as a congregational pastor for the rest of my career, I was facing exhaustion in certain areas—particularly leadership on the session. I needed a refreshed understanding of what that meant theologically. Fellow pastors and other scholars highly recommended PTS’s D.Min. program.

The two weeks on campus every six months were exhausting, but almost exhilarating nonetheless. The faculty and colleagues in my cohort were terrific and the relationships with my faculty advisors very meaningful. The program gave me valuable tools to be a more faithful pastor for many years to come.

I continue to serve as pastor of Matthews (N.C.) PC. PTS helped develop my theological understanding of leadership in the local congregation. I aim to do the same for my elders and other colleagues in ministry.