Rev. Emily K. Béghin

I was born in Carmel, Indiana, and spent my first twelve years of childhood as a Methodist in Indianapolis. In 2002, I moved with my family to Scottsdale, Arizona. There, we immersed ourselves in the life of Pinnacle Presbyterian Church. I graduated in 2012 from the University of Arizona, Tucson, with a B.A. in Psychology and minors in German, religion, and sociology. I went on to study at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Austin, Texas, and graduated in 2015 with a Master of Divinity. Upon graduation I became a Lilly Resident Minister at First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, Michigan, where I flourished as a young pastor amongst peers and leaders in the church and continued on in my call to become the associate pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

My greatest joy in ministry has been the privilege of growing in relationship with those to whom I minister. I believe that God is found in the relationships we share, the stories we hold, and the hopes we have together. My ministry is enhanced by my blind therapy dog, Bandit, who makes pastoral care visits with me. Bandit was passed to me in my grandfather’s will on Christmas of 2011 and has been a blessing in his ability to bring joy, calm, and love to those who need comfort. Bandit and I have enjoyed each church family with whom we have grown. Though our time in the snowy reaches of the north and salty winds of the east have served us well, the west has always been home. It is with great joy that I look to Bryan, Texas.

I am excited about the life of ministry at First Presbyterian Church in Bryan. The many ways in which FPC-Bryan has engaged with the community show a church family that values gracious love, care, and connection. I sense that this church has so much life and opportunity before it. The hallways, rooms, and sanctuary each tell a story of a connected family rich in faith and welcoming in spirit. You can see it in the family crosses, the children’s paintings on the walls, the photos of pastors loved and gone, (and in the eclectic collection of mugs sprawled across Pastor Ted’s desk!). FPC-Bryan has an inspiring staff, diversity of age and interest, and it sits in a community that is growing, family friendly, and young at heart. As I search for a place to call home, I am thrilled to be a part of the family of First Presbyterian Church in Bryan, Texas.

My hope and prayers are that the Church will always seek to draw closer to God, following in the way of Jesus Christ, moving with compassion, kindness, and grace.

Pastor Emily is in the process of complete her Ph.D. in Divinity. Below are a couple of her essays:

1. Essay on Beauty and Architecture (September 15, 2020)
2. From Enchantment to Secularization and How to Seek Enchantment Again Today (September 15, 2021)