May 17, 2021 3 min read

When people think about members of the clergy and how they came to their calling, they might envision their backgrounds, experiences, college majors and even what they did in earlier careers.

Some might imagine a liberal arts major who studied history and religion, or a psychology major who spent time as a social worker.

Chances are, though, the image probably would not be of individuals who majored in business and worked in the corporate world before feeling their call.

At Westminster Presbyterian Church in Upper St. Clair, that not only is the story for the new senior pastor and head of staff, but for the associate pastor for congregational care, as well.

The Rev. Jo Forrest is only the fifth senior pastor to serve in Westminster’s nearly 75 years. Prior to her call to the ministry, she consulted with banks in projects to increase profitability by becoming more attuned to the needs of their customers.

“I never expected to make a mid-career change from management consulting to the ministry, but I appreciate how very challenging it may feel to be a capitalist and faithful Christian at the same time,” she said. “No one need check his or her faith at the office door. Quite the contrary: Faith equips us to excel.”

Meanwhile, the Rev. Louise Rogers, the pastor charged with congregational care, brings the same business mindset to running programs while always focusing on any organization’s greatest asset, its people.

“Jesus cared and listened to the stories people brought to him,” she said. “Our opportunity, in any walk of life, is to listen well while showing compassion as we interact. People first. Programs and productivity flow best when people are the priority.”

While it might raise eyebrows in some churches, the professional experience of the two pastors is reflective of a sizable share of Westminster’s congregation who share similar careers.

David Heilman, the new treasurer of the church, noted how the pastors’ common background is helpful to him and to the church as a whole.

“The ministry leadership bringing an understanding of business and financial processes to their roles helps the financial leadership of the church function in a more effective and coordinated manner,” he said.

Forrest is not the only relatively new member of the church staff. Denise Burke is now executive director of the Westminster Early Childhood Education Program. She holds a master of education in curriculum and leadership, and brings diverse experience to her position as the program continues to adapt to challenges presented by COVID-19.