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Reconciling Ministries Network announces the hiring of Matt Berryman as its new executive director. Berryman, a former United Methodist clergyperson, takes the helm of RMN following the nine-year tenure of RMN’s previous executive, Rev. Troy Plummer and a four-month transition period led by Dr. Randall Miller.
“When Matt arrives in Chicago,” says Miller, “he’ll find a rapidly growing organization with a large group of committed donors, and a huge network of dedicated volunteers ready and willing to take the next crucial steps towards achieving full inclusion for LGBTQ people.”
Prior to joining RMN, Berryman served as the pastor of United Methodist congregations in the Jacksonville area of The Florida Conference and the United Kingdom. He also has led numerous groups through training seminars and workshops for The United Methodist Church, The Fund for Theological Education, Emory University, and the Fellowship of United Methodists for Music and Worship Arts.
“I‘m honored to join RMN and look forward to working with a network of faithful congregations and individuals who are passionately listening to the ways God calls us to be a church where all people are welcomed at the table,” said Berryman. “Whether in the Mississippi delta, the river valley of Portland, or a Central Conference congregation in Zimbabwe, I’m committed to sharing the Good News that Jesus welcomes, loves, and calls all people to the ministry of reconciliation.”
The national search for RMN’s new executive was led by Rev. John Oda of the California-Nevada Annual Conference. “After a prayerful, discerning, and thorough process we are extremely pleased to hire Matt. As someone who was born and raised in The United Methodist Church in South Carolina, he brings with him a wealth of experience, knowledge, and skills that will serve RMN well today and into the future.”
RMN’s board chair, Rev. Bonnie Beckonchrist, similarly praises the selection of Berryman. “In my opinion, there is no more important work right now than reminding the church who it is called to be. Matt is a passionate, creative leader who is committed to mobilizing communities in support of LGBTQ inclusion, and we are delighted that he is serving RMN as our next executive director.”
Berryman received a B.A. from The University of South Carolina and a M.Div. from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He’ll formally assume the helm of RMN on April 2, 2013.
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Reconciling Ministries Network mobilizes United Methodists of all sexual orientations and gender identities to transform our Church and world into the full expression of Christ’s inclusive love. RMN envisions a renewed and vibrant Wesleyan movement that is biblically and theologically centered. As committed disciples of Jesus Christ, RMN strives to transform the world by living out the Gospel’s teachings of grace, love, justice and inclusion for all of God’s children.
Download the PDF press release here
