Kruse and McConnell named PMA mission engagement advisors

by Pat Cole | Presbyterian News Service

LOUISVILLE – Rhonda Kruse and William McConnell recently accepted positions as mission engagement advisors with the Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Kruse, who has already begun duties with the PMA, serves the Midwest region. She works with individuals, congregations, and mid councils in the synods of Mid-America, Lakes and Prairies, and Rocky Mountains. McConnell, who will join the PMA staff on Dec. 1, will serve the same constituencies in the South region. This region includes the synods of the Living Waters and the Sun. Kruse and McConnell’s role is to interpret and promote the mission and ministries of the PMA and seek support for Presbyterian mission.

Sy Hughes, who has been working in the South region, continues as a mission engagement advisor, but he now serves the Southeast region, which includes the synods of Mid Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Boriquén (Puerto Rico).

Both Kruse and McConnell have deep experience in the life of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Kruse came to the PMA staff from Hudson River Presbytery, where she was connections and change presbyter for five years. She also has more than 20 years of experience in parish ministry, serving congregations in New Jersey, Indiana, and New York.

Kruse received an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, an M.S.W. from Rutgers University, and a B.S. in advertising from the University of Illinois. She also earned a certificate in executive leadership from McCormick Theological Seminary.

William McConnell. (Photo provided)

McConnell has been executive director of the Presbyterian Association of Musicians since 2012. Previously, he chaired the music department at St. Andrews Presbyterian University for eight years.

McConnell holds a D.M.A. from the University of Cincinnati College–Conservatory of Music and an M.M. from East Carolina University. He also received a certificate in religious fundraising from the Lake Institute of Faith and Giving at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis. He is a ruling elder and chair of the stewardship committee at Highland Presbyterian Church in Louisville.

In addition to Kruse, McConnell, and Hughes, other mission engagement advisors include Lynne Foreman, Northeast region (synods of the Northeast and Trinity) and René Myers, West region (synods of Alaska Northwest, Pacific, Southern California and Hawaii, and Southwest). Chris Roseland, who is the lead mission engagement advisor, serves the North region (synods of the Covenant and Lincoln Trails).  Rosemary Mitchell is the PMA’s senior director of Mission Engagement and Support.

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Please click here for a map of national Mission Engagement regions and advisors.

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