(NACOGDOCHES, TX) – Following years of study, training, examination Dr. Sharon Templeman (pictured left) sustained the review of the Presbytery of New Covenant’s Committee on Examination and was named a Commissioned Ruling Elder. Templeman is contracted by Westminster to serve under the supervision of the presbytery and Interim Pastor Rev. J. Howard Reed. In her role, Templeman will provide pastoral service, including preaching, administering the sacraments and officiating marriages.
Templeman's journey to commissioning required constant prayer and discernment, theological coursework at Dubuque Theological Seminary (Dubuque, Iowa), much study with written and oral examinations by numerous presbytery committees, a psychological exam and, the call and guidance of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The initial spark and ensuing support of former Westminster Pastor Rev. Steve Newton, Interim Pastor Reed, and church members have and will continue to inspire Templeman in this partnership.
Templeman is no stranger to study and preparation. She is a professor of Social Work at Stephen F. Austin State University and holds a Ph.D. in Social Work from University of Maryland Baltimore Professional Schools, MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University and a BSW from George Mason University. In 2007, Templeman was ordained a PC(USA) Ruling Elder. She serves on multiple church committees and leads the monthly meetings of Theology on Tap.
As part of the examination, Templeman submitted a Statement of Faith, writing, “While we can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works, with gratitude we respond by doing God’s work: protecting the vulnerable, feeding the hungry, and caring for God’s creation.”
Westminster Presbyterian Church is a designated Texas Historic Landmark that traces its roots to the first Protestant minister to preach on Texas soil. Westminster Presbyterian Church exists to declare God’s love for all through Jesus Christ, to nurture and encourage spiritual growth, and to share the love and joy in Christ by giving ourselves to the Nacogdoches community and to the world. Worship services are livestreamed online each Sunday at 11 a.m.
