The Rector Search Committee found Mtr. Debbie to have a passion for pastoral care, stewardship, and outreach. In her application, Debbie writes, “My passion is helping others make vital connections between their daily lives and their lives of faith, fostering an ever-deepening offering to God of their whole selves, through an ever-deepening engagement with the whole of the world around them.”
Debbie most recently served as Interim Rector at St. Mathew’s Episcopal Church in Snellville, GA. Prior to serving at St. Mathew’s, Debbie served as Interim Rector at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, New Haven, CT, served eight years as the Canon for Community Ministries for the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, served as Vicar and Director of Emmaus House, Atlanta, and served as Assistant Rector at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church, Atlanta.
The Search Committee and the Vestry recognized and appreciated Debbie’s rich educational background and activities, her interest in and knowledge of social justice, her leadership in youth and children programs, her strong convictions regarding pastoral care, and her commitment to build an encouraging and supportive church structure.
Debbie completed her theological studies at The General Theological Seminary, New York, 1991-1994, and was ordained in 1994 in the Diocese of Atlanta. She also has a M.Ed. from Georgia State University and a Certificate in Christian Counseling from the Psychological Studies Institute, Atlanta.
Debbie and her family currently reside in Atlanta, GA. She is married to David, a Presbyterian pastoral counselor in private practice, and they have four (4) children. Their youngest son, Charlie, will be a senior next year at Ft. Lewis College, while their youngest daughter, Hannah, will be attending high school in Durango as a freshman. Debbie’s interests outside of church include walking, gardening, spending time with family, and photography.
The St. Mark’s Vestry will host a welcome party for Rev. Debbie and her family following the 10:30am service on July 10th. Please join the Vestry and the Search Committee as we celebrate the beginning of the Rev. Debbie Shew’s leadership at St. Mark’s.