The Rev. Dr. Bruce Stevens, the Executive of the Synod of the Trinity for the past nine years, retired from his position on July 31. The 64-year-old plans to spend time with his wife, Carolyn, on his farm in West Virginia where he will hunt, fish and enjoy time with his grandchildren.
Bruce, who also plans to be a coach and consultant in retirement, was with the Synod for nearly two decades, first becoming the Associate for Evangelism and Church Development prior to filling the role as Executive.
Rev. Susan Faye Wonderland, who was the Associate Executive at the Synod of the Trinity, has stepped into the role of Transitional Executive and will fill Bruce’s position.
“Bruce is one of the most generous and forward-looking colleagues I have ever had in ministry,” Susan said. “He constantly pushes the edges to find where Jesus is calling us to go and does not fear heading into unknown territory. He cares passionately about God’s people and walking with them as they discover new ways to live and share the reign of God.”
Bruce is a graduate of Virginia Tech, Princeton Theological Seminary and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary where he later received his Doctor of Ministry degree. He has served pastorates in Virginia, New Jersey and West Virginia. He was also the interim Executive Presbyter for the Upper Ohio Valley Presbytery. In addition to his college and seminary training, Bruce had studied family systems with the late Edwin Friedman as well as organizational development with the National Training Institute. He is also a certified mediator.
The focus of his ministry over the past 30 years has been the redevelopment and transformation of churches and governing bodies with the focus on more faithful and effective leadership.
Located in Camp Hill, PA, the Synod of the Trinity consists of 16 presbyteries and 1,100 churches in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and the Upper Ohio Valley.