Jessica Anschutz Appointed Director of Center for Adaptive and Innovative Ministry
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary has named the Rev. Dr. Jessica Lynn Anschutz as the next director of the Center for Adaptive and Innovative Ministry. Dr. Anschutz will begin her work at the Seminary July 1, 2025.
Dr. Anschutz is passionate about revitalizing congregations and creating fresh expressions of ministry. She is the co-founder of 43:19, an umbrella organization for new ministries with young adults, such as Coffee, Kids and Chaos and Theology on Tap. Before coming to PTS, Dr. Anschutz served as interim director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership and adjunct faculty member at Wesley Theological Seminary (Washington, D.C.). She co-edited Healing Fractured Communities (Palmetto Publishing, 2024), to which she also contributed a chapter, and she has published additional works on ministry, leadership, and the future of congregational life in Leading Ideas and Reflections. An ordained elder in full connection in the New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, Dr. Anschutz has more than 15 years of experience pastoring urban and suburban congregations. She served on the NYAC Board of Ordained Ministry for 12 years and as secretary of the board of directors for Alliance Africa. She has also served with Habitat for Humanity, Ozark Mission Project, Red Bird Mission Project, Faith Ministry (Mexico), and through United Methodist Volunteers in Mission in Chile, Ecuador, and Louisiana. She holds a B.A. in religious studies (Rhodes College), an M.Div. (Yale Divinity School), and a D.Min. (Wesley Theological Seminary).
“Jessica brings not only extensive experience in a variety of ministry capacities, but genuine passion for faithful, innovative formulations of Christian life,” says Rev. William Baker IV, vice president for strategic initiatives and continuing education. “I am excited about the opportunities for revitalization she will bring about alongside the Seminary’s network of ministers, alums, and partners.”
Dr. Anschutz says, “I am excited to join the dynamic Neighborhood Collaborative team and the wider Pittsburgh Theological Seminary community. I look forward to resourcing and supporting church leaders as we work together to revitalize congregations and build new ministries—sharing and multiplying Christ’s transformational love.”