A native of Little Rock, Ark., Brad Walters has been a happily transplanted Pittsburgher since 1999. Over the last two decades he has followed his call to discipleship in mission, social work, and counseling across three states in a variety of settings.
Brad received his dual master of divinity/master of social work degree in 2005. The longstanding collaborative program between Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and the University of Pittsburgh prepares students for bridging the pastoral and counseling roles by providing both a theological and a clinical lens through which to look at people’s issues.
After graduating, Brad did just that by working with other PTS dual-degree alums in the Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute’s Clergy and Congregational Care Program. The group’s unique educational preparation, diverse denominational affiliations, and varied vocational/professional positions as chaplains, pastors, and social workers brought valuable perspective and experience to individuals, churches, and judicatories seeking direction and support in all facets of Christian life.
Brad was ordained by the Pittsburgh Presbytery in 2007 and installed as associate pastor at Oakmont Presbyterian Church, where he helped guide the church’s Christian Education and Family Life Ministry as well as the Deacons and the Membership Committee. Most days as a pastor found him leading a Bible study, “dreaming up some new facet of mission,” experimenting with information technology, or exploring new ways to introduce spiritual disciplines. Over the last several years Brad has also been privileged to serve as chairman of the Disciplemaking Team for the Pittsburgh Presbytery.
As not only a pastor but also a licensed clinical social worker with a passion for offering the healing love of Christ through the good news of the gospel, Brad recently transitioned to serving as a full-time pastoral counselor and psychotherapist through the Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute and in private practice. “My time at PTS and Pitt helped give that unique shape to my integration of faith and psychotherapy,” he says. He describes the wealth of opportunities he’s had to pursue Christian ministry as a dream come true—“I’ve felt like a kid in a candy store!”
