Today in the Mission Yearbook - ‘Our ancestors’ wildest dreams’

Beloved former Stated Clerk, the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, is honored for his unparalleled legacy of witnessing to God’s justice

August 31, 2024

The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, was honored at a dinner and 

tribute by colleagues, friends and family. More than 800 people 

attended the event. (Photo by Kristen Gaydos)

In an ecclesiastical tribute — brimming over with affection, admiration, gratitude, tears, laughter and just the occasional touch of irreverence — the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, was joyfully celebrated for changing the denomination that shaped and changed him.

Nelson, a third-generation Presbyterian pastor and the first Black man chosen as the top ecclesial officer of the PC(USA), was elected as Stated Clerk by the 222nd General Assembly (2016), a role in which he served for seven years before stepping down on June 30, 2023.

“Our church is more courageous, more faithful and more willing to risk because you said yes,” Ruling Elder Sara Lisherness, deputy executive director for Mission Program for the Presbyterian Mission Agency, would later say.

And as speaker after speaker took the stage — or bore witness via video —  new and revealing insights into the much-loved former Stated Clerk’s life, family and ministry emerged.

Introduced as “a tall handsome bloke with a captivating smile” by the Rev. Dr. Chenyangu “Cheni” Khonje, a member of the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly who emceed the evening, Nelson loomed large in the gathering of some 800 Assembly attendees, his beloved wife, the Rev. Gail Porter Nelson, and their daughter, Alycia Yvette Nelson, by his side.

Parallel themes of faith and foolishness — for Christ — were echoed by each presenter.

A moving tribute from Amy Kym Kyremes-Parks, director of Formation for Children and Their Families at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Asheville, North Carolina, brought the room to tears.

She recalled how the Nelsons “adopted a 16-year-old girl from Salt Lake City,” taking Kyremes-Parks to the emergency room after a fall at Montreat Conference Center.

“While he can act a fool, he is still so modest,” she said. “He saw my snark and my cheekiness, and our lives were woven together forever. Mama Gail, thank you for serving faithfully in your support, seen and unseen; Alycia, for sharing your daddy with me and so many others; and daddy, for loving me, our family, and this world. Thank you for loving our beautiful and broken denomination. You are our ancestors’ wildest dreams.”

The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, his daughter Alycia Yvette Nelson, 

and his wife, the Rev. Gail Porter Nelson, at the conclusion of the 

tribute. (Photo by Kristen Gaydos)

Throughout the evening, Nelson was lauded for cultivating young adult leadership and, in all things, for his never-ending commitment to addressing the world’s greatest social justice challenges such as poverty, discrimination, and gun violence.

The Rev. Edwin González-Castillo, director of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, said that what stood out for him in Nelson’s legacy was his quest for justice.

Of Nelson’s “Hands & Feet” initiative, which emphasized mission involvement with the cities hosting the biennial meeting of the General Assembly, González-Castillo said, “You would not only preach about justice and love but teach us to put that into practice every day of our lives.”

Another of the evening’s funniest lines came from the Rev. Carol McDonald, moderator of the Stated Clerk Nomination Committee that selected Nelson, when she recalled something that he said at the Synod of Lakes and Prairies’ Synod School.

“Get up off your blessed assurances and do something for Jesus,” she said to peals of laughter.

The evening concluded with remarks from Nelson himself, as well as daughter Alycia and wife Gail.

After sharing highlights of the remarkable story of his own life, Nelson said, “If there’s anything where I would give a word, it would simply be not to ever allow that which God has given you to be caught in fear. The Lord has already made the decision, and will remind us each and every day what our calling is.”

Nelson, having earlier shared what a challenge it was trying to keep his daughter, who, like him, was a preacher’s kid, in school, fittingly Gail Nelson — a powerful source of support throughout Nelson’s ministry and a great preacher in her own right — had the last word.

“I want to thank the committee who made this evening possible,” she said, “and just so you can hear the end of the story, Alycia turned out very well!”

Emily Enders Odom, Associate Director of Mission Communications, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Today’s Focus: Former Stated Clerk, the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, is honored at General Assembly

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Doug Portz, Vice President, Church Relations, Board of Pensions
Sonia Prescott, Reference & Outreach Archivist, Presbyterian Historical Society

Let us pray

God of earth and altar, may the bread we share bring your life in abundance to all the peoples of the earth. Amen.

Today in the Mission Yearbook - Be part of the change you want to be, even if the table is not ready for you

African American Mid Council Leaders hold a two-day retreat

August 30, 2024

From left, the Rev. Dr. Danny Murphy, the Rev. Dr. SanDawna 

Gaulman Ashley and the Rev. Byron Wade, members of the African 

American Mid Council Leaders. (Photo by Kristen Gaydos)

After meeting in a retreat for two days ahead of the 226th General Assembly, members of the African American Mid Council Leaders (AAMCL) spoke with Presbyterian News Service about some of the challenges both African American congregations and pastor face moving forward.

The three leaders who took time to speak with PNS are:

• The Rev. Dr. Danny Murphy, general presbyter of Trinity Presbytery
• The Rev. Dr. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley, transitional synod leader with the Synod of the Northeast
• The Rev. Byron Wade, general presbyter of the Presbytery of Western North Carolinaand the vice-moderator of the 218th General Assembly (2008).

Of the 12 leaders gathered June 27–28, some of the PC(USA)’s largest mid councils, including Synod of the Northeast, Synod of the Mid-Atlantic, the Presbytery of Coastal Carolina, the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, the Presbytery of New Hope, the Presbytery of Baltimore and the Presbytery of New York City, were represented.

“The group has been going forever and a day,” said Murphy, himself a member for 36 years.

“It was important to have the opportunity to gather at this time,” said Gaulman Ashley. “Supporting small churches is something we are all concerned about, and we realize this is the time we have to be strategic and intentional about how we are resourcing.”

Fully four in five predominantly African American churches in the PC(USA) are without installed leadership, the leaders noted.

Wade said it was the first time he’d attended an AAMCL meeting.

“I learned the importance of fellowship,” he said. African American mid council leaders “don’t often have a chance to see one another. It was an encouraging fellowship time.”

The mid council leaders heard a presentation by the Rev. Warren J. Lesane Jr., stated clerk for the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic, who’s working on the Next Generation Initiative to help fill pastoral vacancies in that synod. Lesane’s goal is to cultivate a vibrant community of Black Presbyterian congregations through visionary leadership and strategic planning. Wade said the hope is the initiative will serve as a pilot for churches across the country.

The Rev. Dr. Jerry L. Cannon, vice president for Ministry Innovation at the Board of Pensions, led those gathered on the Board’s support for congregations of color, emphasizing the importance of minimum salary, pension and medical benefits.

Murphy said AAMCL’s purpose is threefold:

• To provide a collaborative platform for African American leaders to address the unique challenges and opportunities within majority white ministry contexts.
• To advocate for the needs of African American congregations and pastors.
• To promote leadership development, equity and inclusion with the PC(USA).

Leaders plan to explore how to partner with the Jesse C. Swanigan Scholars Program, a one-year educational fellowship program designed to nurture and support people of color by obtaining mid council executive leadership education in the PC(USA). The Synod of Mid-America is covering the costs associated with the program.

The mid council leaders have chosen Sheena Iyengar’s book “Think Bigger” to discuss. The book explores how individuals and organizations can foster innovation by challenging conventional thinking, embracing diverse perspectives, and utilizing strategies to enhance creativity and problem-solving skills.

“We have learned to stay at the table to be a part of the important conversations,” Gaulman Ashley said. “We recognize this is a calling to this particular role [of mid council leadership]. It’s important to understand the work and be a part of the change we want to see, even if the table is not ready for you.”

Ministry administration is hard, “and it’s hard across the board,” she said. Synods have “responsibilities for resourcing presbyteries and pastors, but you’re not doing the work. You’re a resource, and it takes a while to get things done. There’s a great sense of urgency to find solutions.”

African American pastors “have never been able to serve just their congregations,” she said. Many are also public theologians who are engaged as community leaders as well. And that’s not limited to urban settings, she said, adding, “rural churches have that need.”

“What the larger church can learn from African American churches is we have always had to do more with less,” Wade said.

Mike Ferguson, Editor, Presbyterian News Service

Today’s Focus: African American Mid Council Leaders (AAMCL) hold a two-day retreat

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Cristina Pitts, Mission Specialist, Latin American & the Caribbean office, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Irv Porter, Associate, Native American Intercultural Congregational Support, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Let us pray

God of mercy, we are grateful that new life can arise from loss. We give thanks for those who give of themselves so that others might have hope. Amen.

Christian Counseling Associates - The Power of TAG Groups

OFFICE HOURS All calls are confidential. Clinical coordinators are available. Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (724) 396-1510 In the journey of healing and personal growth, many individuals seek counseling to address their challenges. At Christian Counseling Associates (CCA), those seeking help are always initially recommended to individual or sometimes marital counseling (if requested). However, CCA has a comprehensive counseling process that becomes available as our clients make progress. Our TAG Groups represent the next phase of the healing journey, offering a dynamic environment where continued growth becomes possible. TAG Groups stands for: Schedule an Appointment The Role of Individual Counseling at CCA When you begin your counseling journey at CCA, you are paired with an experienced Christian counselor who meets with you one-on-one. These sessions are designed to help you explore and understand the personal issues that have brought you to seek help. Together, you and your counselor work to identify the root causes of these challenges and develop strategies to overcome them. During this time, you start to grow in your ability to be transparent about sensitive, personal issues in your life. This opens you to the help of another person. Together, goals are dynamically set, and moving and growing in a new direction becomes possible. This individualized approach is a crucial first step in counseling, but it's only the beginning piece. Why Transition to a TAG Group? To be genuinely biblical and effective, the growth and healing process must include the Body of Christ, which is God's design. We often want healing to come through quicker methods. However, true healing from depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction happens through a gradual process of building a different relationship to our problems. Here Is the Biblical Model:   When we face challenges, we seek the power of the Holy Spirit to guide and transform us. (Relationship with God)   We then seek growth in relationships with the body of Christ (the Church). Christian Counseling provides a safe and private environment for this to start.   As we find stability and peace in the problems we face, we can lean into the body of Christ and trust Him more for a relationship that will guide, transform, and help us grow.   Growing in our Relationships with Christ tangibly involves growing in our relationship with the body of Christ, which involves other people.  This happens dynamically in a TAG group's safe, private environment guided by a Christian Counselor. We often become isolated in our problems, and this is a large part of what keeps us stuck. God's design is for us to reconnect and share this burden with others who can walk alongside us in a faith journey.   Once you’ve established a solid foundation through individual counseling, your CCA counselor will introduce you to the next step in your healing journey: TAG Groups. These groups are not just an add-on to your individual sessions but a vital component of your overall treatment plan. TAG Groups provide an environment where you can continue to make progress that is usually impossible through individual counseling alone.   Group therapy has been studied for decades by the clinical community and is known to be a highly effective step in the counseling process. However, since the 1980s, as psychiatric medications became a popular substitute, group therapy began to be offered less and less.  This is unfortunate, as many will fall short in their recovery process without this vital step and consequently may be spurred onto a long-term dependency on medication as a substitute for further growth. The Unique Benefits of TAG Groups Community Support and Shared Experiences: In TAG Groups, you join others who are on similar journeys of healing and self-discovery. This shared experience creates a sense of community where you can gain a sense of support and increased well-being. The power of group counseling lies in the realization that you are not alone in your struggles. Hearing others’ stories and sharing your own can be incredibly validating and can foster a sense of spiritual belonging that is crucial for long-term healing.   Growth of Perspective and Insight: Group settings provide an opportunity to experience different perspectives and insights at a deeply personal level. While individual counseling focuses on the same personal experiences, TAG Groups allow you to expand your insight by observing and gaining feedback from the experiences of others. This new dynamic can lead to breakthroughs and new ways of thinking that do not typically emerge in one-on-one sessions.   Accountability and Encouragement: TAG Groups create a structured environment of support and motivation. This kind of accountability is a powerful growth tool that helps you stay on track as you regain a sense of well-being and move toward renewed life goals.  Encouragement from group members can boost your confidence and help you push through challenges that might otherwise keep you stuck at certain plateaus and impasses often experienced when staying in individual counseling too long.   Faith-Based Foundation: At CCA, our TAG Groups are grounded in Christian principles, providing a faith-based approach to group therapy. This integration of faith and counseling allows you to explore the spiritual aspects of your healing journey, grow in your faith, and experience renewed strength as you work through challenges with others who now stand beside you in a Christ-led change process. In today’s counseling landscape, there is often an overemphasis on symptom reduction and medication, which can lead to limited improvement and even overdependence on counselors or medication. Modern counseling tends to downplay the value of group therapy, focusing instead on individual treatment plans that may only address symptoms without fostering deeper, long-term growth. At CCA, we believe in a more holistic approach emphasizing the importance of rebuilding relationships and shared experiences.   TAG Groups are designed to go beyond mere symptom management. They aim to address the underlying issues contributing to your challenges, helping you develop coping mechanisms, resilience, and a deeper understanding of yourself. By participating in TAG Groups, you are taking an active role in your healing process rather than relying solely on a counselor or medication for progress. Trust in Jesus What Sets Us Apart? Conclusion: TAG Groups at Christian Counseling Associates are a powerful tool for those looking to make significant progress in their healing journey. Moving beyond individual counseling and embracing the transparency, accountability, and shared experiences offered in TAG Groups, you can achieve more profound, lasting change. If you’re ready to take the next step in your counseling journey, we invite you to ask your CCA Counselor for more information and explore the transformative potential of TAG Groups at CCA. Together, we can continue to grow, heal, and find hope for the future. CCA can provide a full range of clinical counseling services: Christian Counseling Associates are experts in the fields of mental health and addictions. With our comprehensive knowledge and experience, CCA provides effective treatment and support for individuals struggling with various mental health disorders and addictions. Our expertise allows us to offer holistic care that addresses both the emotional and spiritual aspects of recovery. Struggling with mental health or addiction issues? Need to re-evaluate your psychiatric medication? Just want to find a new start? CCA provides excellent, accessible, and comprehensive counseling services. Please visit our website at www.ccawpa.com or call us at 724-396-1510 to learn more about a location near you. You can also access our safe, secure online services from anywhere. God Bless, Richard Hoffman, Ph.D.   Clinical Director Christian Counseling Associates SERVICES....WHY CCA....NEW CLIENTS....LOCATIONS....ABOUT Christian Counseling Associates Available in Pennsylvania, Arkansas, New York, Ohio, West Virginia  and in Liberia, West Africa Stay Social With Us: