Leading in the Church and the Community
As a pastor and a city council member, Gary Brinn, MDiv '08, is providing leadership that centers spiritual care and concern for his unhoused neighbors.
Gary Brinn, MDiv '08
Pastor and Teacher, The Park Church; City Council Member, City of Elmira (Elmira, NY)
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Describe the work you do today:
I have the pleasure of serving Elmira’s historic Park Church, established by abolitionists in 1846, as pastor and teacher, the dual role of authorized ministers in the United Church of Christ. The congregation’s history with social justice continues as we lead in four focus areas: racial justice, climate justice, housing justice, and LGBTQIA+ equality. Of course, our work centers on Word and Sacrament. Strong lay leadership has allowed me to reach beyond the local church, serving as an on-call chaplain at the regional medical center and as a recently elected member of the City Council, where I represent an impoverished district that includes the historic redline as well as a state correctional facility. I’ve spearheaded the city’s bipartisan efforts to address a crisis in housing availability, affordability, and accessibility; I've also learned more about building codes and urban planning than I imagined possible!
How has your HDS degree influenced your career journey?
When I arrived at HDS, I had a relatively narrow understanding of ordained ministry. Though I was blessed to study under some amazing scholars and inspirational leaders, it was the diverse community of students that helped me see the many ways we can faithfully serve our communities. Of course, I still bring the lens of historical-critical scholarship and constructive theology to the pulpit, but these skills have also equipped me to lead in interfaith spaces. My engagement with the question of meaning making allows me to hear both members of other faith communities and my constituents in the Fourth District as they wrestle with this age of discontinuous change.
What career advice would you offer to current HDS students?
Success these days isn't about what you've learned. It is about how you are learning. Move beyond the academics to refine your skills as an adaptive leader. This will prepare you for whatever adventure comes next!
You Harvard degree will open doors. What will win hearts is your passion and joy. Go change the world! Or at least your corner of it.