Maureen Wright, who has served the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) at all levels, has been unanimously elected transitional executive presbyter of the Presbytery of West Virginia as it enters a “season of discernment.”
“Church has changed. The old ways of being, doing and leading the church are not helpful,” Wright said. “The church needs faithful leaders to lead with curiosity, to ask deep questions.
“Transitional leaders need to bring a process for reframing ministry, to help those in the church to reflect on identity, community, purpose and the future, leading the church from the known into the unknown which is being revealed by God.”
Wright, a ruling elder, has served the presbytery first as assistant to the stated clerk from 2010 to 2013 when she was elected stated clerk, later adding responsibilities as associate presbyter for congregational support. She will continue stated clerk duties through the transition period, expected to last 15-24 months.
Acknowledging that the transition might be “messy,” Wright said she brings curiosity, prayer, Bible study and a willingness to experiment to her work.
Wright earned a Bachelor of Arts from Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA, and a Master of Arts in Christian education from the then-named Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, VA. She earned her Christian educator certification in 2004.
She has served churches in Kinston and Mt. Holly, N.C. and is currently a member of Village Chapel Presbyterian Church in Charleston, where her husband, the Rev. Dr. Todd Wright, is pastor.
The Rev. Andrew Rice, who chaired the search committee, said it was “inspired by the way she wielded her unique perspective as a Christian educator and her long experience in serving the church to craft a hopeful vision of the future for the Presbytery of West Virginia.”
Wright has begun her new duties immediately, succeeding the Rev. Dr. Ed Thompson, who retired July 31.