Overseeing the program at Wellesley Congregational Church is the Rev. Christina Braudaway-Bauman.
Through the Pastoral Residency Program, we seek to build on strong seminary experiences by providing some of the newest and most promising pastors an extraordinary entrance into pastoral ministry. Over the course of two years, Pastoral Residents work full-time, gaining experience in the full range of pastoral responsibilities in a healthy dynamic congregation while receiving the support of experienced pastoral mentors. The primary purpose of the program is to enable new clergy to build the kind of skills and practices, both pastoral and personal, which will provide a firm foundation for ministry in years to come.
The Wellesley Congregational Church is one of twenty congregations of several denominations across the nation selected by the Lilly Endowment, Inc. to sponsor a Pastoral Residency Program. Pastoral Residents become part of a network of new clergy intentionally exploring how to make an effective transition from seminary to pastoral ministry. An especially attractive feature of our congregation’s program is the partnership we share with Charles Street AME Church, an African American congregation in Boston, which also hosts a Pastoral Residency Program. A portion of each Resident’s time is spent in ministries related to the partnership.
Pastoral Residents Rev. Liz Garrigan-Byerly and Elissa Johnk were called to serve Wellesley Congregational Church for two years, beginning August 2009. During the term of their calls, these two outstanding seminary graduates will gain significant experience in every aspect of the congregation’s life.
