The Rev. Dr. Susan Moudry, who has coordinated leadership development efforts as a member of the Western PA Conference staff for the past five years, has been appointed to serve as Director of Lay and Continuing Education at Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas.
Brite Divinity School educates and inspires people to serve God’s diverse world as leaders in churches, the academy and public life. The school is related to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), while embodying an ecumenical spirit. It is an approved seminary of The University Senate of The United Methodist Church.
Working in theological education has been a long-term goal for Dr. Moudry, who earned her PhD in the history of Christianity at Baylor University. She said this particular role at Brite “is a unique combination allowing me to serve as a bridge between the academy and church. I am very excited to begin this new journey of ministry.”
In her new position, Dr. Moudry will plan, implement, and evaluate current and future lay and continuing education offerings. Current programs include the Stalcup School of Theology for the Laity, Ministers Week, Summer Hispanic Institute, and three Thriving in Ministry programs funded through the Lilly Endowment Initiative. She also will work with other Brite leaders to generate new possibilities for addressing the renewal and transformation of the church now and for the future.
As Susan pursues her vocational aspirations at Brite, she leaves behind a legacy of excellent, vibrant ministry in Western Pennsylvania," said the Rev. Alyce Weaver Dunn, WPAUMC’s director of Connectional Ministries.
“As a member of the Conference Program Staff, she has made a positive impact in many areas of ministry, Dunn explained, “but what rises to the top is her work in implementing and overseeing Clergy Communities of Practice (CCOP). Under Susan’s leadership, this vital program has offered clergy a covenantal experience for learning, growing in faith, and forming healthy relationships with other pastors.”
Moudry’s other efforts included organizing the annual Pastoral Transitions Seminars and pre-Annual Conference Leadership Days; arranging internships for seminary and college students, and working in partnership with the Board of Ordained Ministry in areas such as ethics training. Most recently, Susan was an integral part of piloting a Regional Staff Program designed to bring resources closer to local churches.
“Susan’s gentle spirit and deep love for theology and history has been the perfect combination for inspiring others to learn and grow,” Dunn said. “While we will miss Susan greatly, we pray God’s blessings on her as she moves forward in answering the call God has placed in her life.”
Moudry’s volunteer efforts as part of the Conference Commission on Archives and History also will be missed. “It is a passion and I will always support their work and be a champion for sharing our heritage and history,” she said.
“Serving alongside the Conference staff and working with the clergy and laity of the WPAUMC over the past five years has been a wonderful gift,” Dr. Moudry said. “I have grown and learned a great deal, and am grateful for the ways in which the WPAUMC continually supports my call to ministry.”
Susan moved to the Pittsburgh area with her family as a child and grew up participating in the life of Ingomar UMC. Her husband Matt currently serves on the Ingomar staff. The Moudrys are the parents of two young children.
A graduate of Edinboro University of PA, Susan earned her Master of Divinity degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Commissioned as a provisional member of the Western PA Conference in 2010, she served at Creekside and Indiana Trinity UMCs before beginning her graduate studies at Baylor.
Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi said she feels “a sense of Godly pride that Brite Divinity School has recognized the gifts and talents God has given a child of this annual conference. We will miss Susan tremendously, but we are grateful that she has found a position that so closely aligns with her gifts and passions. We pray for and wish her whole family well as they set out on this new adventure.”