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.
September 2026
Step 1b, c, d, and e
After months of thoughtful work—including developing and reviewing a congregational survey completed by 494 people—the Mission Study Task Force has completed its Mission Study report. The BMPC Session and the Presbytery of Philadelphia have approved the report.
The Mission Study brings together what we have learned about BMPC as a congregation: our history and membership trends, financial health, the communities from which we draw, and the ways we live out our ministry and mission. It also incorporates the insights shared by members through the congregational survey, including what feeds us spiritually, how we participate in the life of the church, and the qualities we hope to see in our next Senior Pastor.
The Mission Study is now available for you to read. Printed copies are available in the racks in the Narthex, Atrium, and Court, and a digital copy is available on the BMPC website.
With the Mission Study approved, we can begin forming a Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC). The PNC will ultimately be responsible for conducting the search and bringing a candidate for our next Senior Pastor to the congregation for its consideration.
On Monday, September 28, at 7:00 p.m., the Rev. John Willingham will lead a gathering for members interested in learning more about serving on a PNC. Fellow BMPC members who have previously served on a Pastor Nominating Committee will share their experiences and offer invaluable insight as we consider the right mix of individuals to serve on this important committee.
As part of this gathering, the Nominating Committee will be ready to receive written suggestions of members you believe should be considered for the PNC. You may also submit a suggestion using a form available in the Narthex and at the Ministries Center desk, or by completing the online form.
On Sunday, October 4, at 11:15 a.m., members of the Mission Study Task Force will gather with the congregation to share the completed report. This will be an opportunity to learn more about what the Mission Study says about BMPC, ask questions, and hear directly from those who have spent the past several months listening, gathering information, and bringing it all together.
This gathering also marks the conclusion of the Mission Study Task Force’s work. We are grateful to the six BMPC members who have served on the Task Force and to everyone who participated in the congregational survey and contributed to this important process. Please continue to pray for our congregation, our leaders, and all those involved as we take these next steps toward calling our next Senior Pastor.
