Being Presbyterian

I’ve been dividing my time between The Vine and the Communications Office here at national office, which gave me the opportunity to sit down with a couple of Vine staff who are new ministers-to-be. Both Dong-Ha Kim and Courtney Morris have accepted calls and are beginning their solo paster positions early this year. I thought it might be interesting to ask them a few questions about the transition from seminary grad to new minister, and they were happy to share their experiences about the process, a time of excitement, idealism and nerves.

Dong-Ha and Courtney spent some of the time between their graduation and ordination at national office working in The Vine, which, in case you’re unfamiliar with it, is a national access centre for The Presbyterian Church in Canada that provides information and resource support for congregations (thevine@presbyterian.ca). Dong-Ha volunteered his time by reviewing resources, doing research for questions, and wrote a script for a communion DVD to be produced this year. Courtney worked in a contract position; she answered support  requests and wrote and designed several resources (including these men’s breakfast placemats). Both expressed an appreciation for the exposure to the work and resources at national office they gained from their positions.