The Rev. Dr. Seth Weeldreyer
The Rev. Dr. Seth Weeldreyer is the Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich. He comes to Greenwich from the First Presbyterian Church of Kalamazoo, where he served 16 years as Senior Pastor. He has also held leadership roles in the Presbytery and General Assembly, and has served on CREDO, in which ministers focus on nurturing their peers, thereby bolstering the health of the Presbyterian church.
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Dr. Wheeldreyer received a BA in Secondary Education, History and German from Hope College. He then received an MA in College and University Administration from Michigan State University. He attended Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia and attended McCormick Seminary in Chicago, where he received a doctorate (D.Min) in Preaching.Seth is the parent of three grown children. Avocationally, he is a reader, a youth sports coach and referee, a hiker, a cyclist, and a lover of movies, music, and theater. He has designed and built three homes. He has travelled throughout the United States and world and feels energized by embracing new adventures. Seth is unabashedly a people person -- an effective and inspirational communicator and listener who values the input of those from different experiences and backgrounds.
He notes, “I am deeply grateful for the grace of a call to serve among First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich. At a central intersection of the [Greenwich] community, from the junction of our individual hopes and fears, into the crossroads of our world’s concerns, we share a strong capacity to touch others with Holy Love.”
WHAT DOES DR. WEELDREYER THINK:
My belief:
“I believe in Divine Love, power greater than all others. All creation exists by and belongs to this Grace….I give all that I am—heart, mind, strength—to embody this grace by living with love, that I may channel the fullness of peace.”
About Worship:
“Stories of scripture offer gospel glimpses. We receive inspiration for our time and place, as we open our hearts to honest questions with one another, living humbly and confidently. I relish any chance to share this good news. I cherish worship as the central act of our witness. Preaching is a joy and privilege, as we share past wisdom to empower present life…. Disciplines of prayer and holy friendship help us listen for God’s heartbeat, inspiring purpose, nurturing hope…. I cherish every sacramental moment—at font and table, and in ordinary encounters made holy—which nurtures gratitude and commitment.”
About God’s Grace:
“I believe Divine Goodness dwells in everyone. Leading staff colleagues, moderating Session, nurturing congregational life together … It's all about seeing the sacred potential for abundant life in each individual, magnified manifold as we share the symbiotic energy of collective wisdom and vitality. When, inevitably, we all fall short of God’s best intentions, patience enables clarity and mercy, trusting God’s power to bring new life. Authenticity and transparency liberate personal flourishing, foster communal trust, and enliven our joyful witness to others.”
About working with people:
“I believe people yearn for vision and inspiration to live more fully with others… I treasure … personal conversations that prove to be bonding, healing, stimulating. I greatly enjoy group meetings in a vast variety—class conversations, committees, or service opportunities. The beauty of diverse insights and gifts shapes our purpose as Christ’s presence and power in our world.”
About service and our future together:
“I’m excited by the geographical, spiritual, and resourceful potential for us. At a central intersection of the community, from the junction of our individual hopes and fears, into the crossroads of our world’s concerns, we share a strong capacity to touch others with Holy Love. I’m enthused about ways the Spirit may guide us on a pilgrimage journey through years ahead. I’m eager to share beauty and wonder, comfort in sorrow, hope in trying times, as we live with love, thrive with purpose, and serve full of grace and peace.”