PASTOR

The Reverend M. Keith Leach, our beloved pastor for the last eight years, is retiring. Keith has served College Church and Hampden-Sydney College faithfully and tirelessly. We are very sad to see him leave us, but we wish him a long and happy retirement, with the hope that we will see him and Janis often.

To continue Keith’s legacy, College Church and Hampden-Sydney College now seek another creative, strategic, and energetic person to fill the blended position of Pastor-Chaplain to advance the dual mission of serving a congregational flock and a collegiate community. The Church and College share a strong tie of two centuries, with residents devoted to the compelling 250-year-old mission of the College “to form good men and good citizens.”

College Church is in the heart of the Hampden-Sydney campus, which offers an extensive mission field for the church. With the opportunity to help students determine their religious and spiritual calling, the dual role of Pastor-Chaplain, served by the College Church teaching elder, makes this a truly unique call.

Applications for the position should be submitted through the Church Leadership Connection (CLC), Personal Discernment Form, found at PCUSA.org. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited.

Elders

College Church is led by a Session comprised of six ruling elders, with the pastor serving as moderator. Elders serve a three-year term, with elections typically occurring in the fall. The current ruling elders and the ending year of their term are:

John Eastby (Class of 2027)
Virginia Kinman (Class of 2026, Clerk of Session)
Ken Perkins (Class of 2026)
Scott Tucker-Simms (Class of 2025)
Ken Townsend (Class of 2025)
Jennifer Wall (Class of 2027)

Committees

The life and work of College Church are also guided by three committees, each led by one or two ruling elders.

The Administration Committee deals with finance, personnel, property, cemetery, and insurance issues. The elder guiding this committee are Ken Townsend and Ken Perkins.

The Congregational Life Committee handles fellowship, congregational care, worship, and Christian education. The elders guiding this committee are Scott Tucker-Simms and Jennifer Wall.

The Outreach Committee addresses missions, benevolences, and student ministry. The elder guiding this committee is John Eastby.