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Rev. Shari Prestemon has been nominated by the United Church of Christ (UCC) Board to serve a full term as Associate General Minister and Co-Executive of Global Ministries for Love of Neighbor Ministries. The announcement was made during the March 2025 UCC Board Meeting in Cleveland, where Prestemon was met with a standing ovation.
Reflecting on her nomination, Prestemon stated, “It was a deeply humbling experience knowing that General Synod will now be asked to entrust me with this sacred ministry. That is an overwhelming thing to contemplate.”
The Board's decision was unanimous, confirming their support for Prestemon's leadership over the past 13 months as interim executive of the Love of Neighbor Ministries. Her candidacy awaits confirmation at the 35th General Synod in Kansas City from July 11-15, where she requires a 60% majority vote from over 700 delegates.
The selection process began in September 2024 under the guidance of Joyce Bathke, who chaired the search committee. Bathke emphasized Prestemon’s passion and understanding for her role: “She has developed strong relationships with our partners in Global Ministries...and she is respected as a leader.”
Julia Gaughan, chair of the UCC Board, expressed her enthusiasm about Prestemon’s potential permanent appointment: “Rev. Prestemon’s strategic and even-keeled presence provides just what we need...I am very hopeful that Rev. Prestemon’s continued work will help seed hope even in the midst of so much strife.”
General Minister and President Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson praised Prestemon's call to serve as AGM: “[Prestemon’s] call means that the General Synod will receive a candidate who loves the church and is committed to the collaborative possibilities of partnership for our ministries locally, nationally and globally.”
Prestemon commenced her service as Acting Associate General Minister on January 16, 2024, following ten years as conference minister for Minnesota Conference. Her previous roles include executive director at UCC’s Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi (2000-2013), and pastor positions in Illinois and Wisconsin.
An alumna of Luther College and Chicago Theological Seminary, Prestemon has contributed significantly to various boards within UCC.
Expressing her hopes for UCC's future endeavors, Prestemon remarked on meeting current challenges with core values such as "faithfulness" and "passion for justice." She noted: “[We need] to respond meaningfully to the needs of our neighbors far and wide...There’s a lot that feels overwhelming...but I believe God is calling us to dig deep."
