Rev. Meagan Findeiss
Our New Associate Pastor for Care & Belonging
A Word from the Search Committee
The Associate Pastor Nominating Committee is thrilled to introduce you to Rev. Meagan Findeiss, our new Associate Pastor for Care & Belonging.
We believe that, as Christ modeled, relationships can grow in the simplicity of being present, whether physically or in prayer. Over Zoom or in person, Meagan touched our hearts and demonstrated a sense of presence and grace that were undeniable. During her recent visit to Dallas, we were blessed to break bread together and we experienced an evening that was truly remarkable. Our time with Meagan during this process has turned out to be an incredible gift for every member of the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee, and we believe she will be a gift for the members of our congregation as well.
We asked the members of the APNC to describe why they were excited about Meagan and her spiritual gifts arriving at FPC Dallas later this summer, and here is what they said:
"Meagan demonstrates intelligence, openness, and humor. She's a perfect match for FPC Dallas."
“She is energetic, engaging, and empathetic. Her gifts will be valued here.”
"Her faith, passion, and experience will be an asset to FPC Dallas. Meeting Meagan in person showed me that she will connect well with anyone, and it would be a pleasure for anyone who meets her."
"Meagan's experience establishing initiatives similar to our Matthew 25 Church and Racial Justice Task Force movements caught my attention. She will be a willing partner in the congregation's journey to be more inclusive."
"Meagan is optimistic, attentive, and gracious. She invites deep discussion, actively listens, remembers details from past conversations, and made me feel heard and valued."
"I found Meagan to possess excellent empathy while maintaining a relaxed, caring tone. She carries a tremendous mix of excitement for what must be done as well as the ability to be calm and present."
Sharing and celebrating Jesus Christ are cornerstones of our mission, and to do so with the passion and vigor we hold dear, we must ensure we are fed, cared for, and nurtured. This is not the job of one person alone. It is something we will all need to be part of given the work we have ahead. With great joy we want you to get ready for your bellies to be full, and your heart and soul to be nurtured in a glorious way.
Blessings,
Leah Jordan (chair)
Susan Cuellar
Eunice Fernandez
Mary Kate Bevel
Justin Rosas
Chris Simpson
Philip Nelson
A Word from Meagan
I am excited to introduce myself! My name is Meagan Poole Findeiss. I am married to Cal, and we have two kids: our five-year-old daughter Bethan and our 2-and-a-half-year-old son Jude. We also have a beloved pup named Groogrux. I am a Presbyterian lifer. I grew up in Orange Park, Florida and was baptized, confirmed, and ordained at Orange Park Presbyterian Church. My faith began as an inherited faith nurtured by my family and church community. In college and beyond, I began to own my faith by recognizing the importance of asking questions and learning to embrace the mystery of God. For me, following Christ looks like sharing extravagant love with all we encounter. That looks different from person to person, but it is authentic, genuine, and transformative.
I went to undergrad at Florida State University and received my MDiv from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. I completed a two-year pastoral residency at Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, and most recently have served as an Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church Asheville in North Carolina.
As your new Associate Pastor for Care & Belonging, I want to share with you how called I feel to be with you all, it is undeniable. In meeting with church staff, as well as the APNC, there was a profound realness. The collaboration of the staff, the interpersonal dynamics between the staff and lay leaders, it was infectious. I am elated to be a part of this church and the ministry y'all are doing. The folks I have met are but a small subset of the congregation at large, but hear me in saying that I am eager to get to know YOU!
Some of the most fulfilling things about ministry for me have been relationships with people. Holy moments when I have been able to share life with another. These moments have been painful, heart wrenching, as well as joyful and life giving. When we are able to be real and share questions about faith with another, it is deeply moving, and it helps us all to put faith into action. I am honored to be able to share life with you all, to wrestle with life’s challenging questions, and to grow in faith.
The ministry of FPC Dallas is radical and invigorating, from the work being done at The Stewpot, to the innovation and creativity being poured into Encore Park. Your vision for what church looks like post-covid is something I want to belong to. I look forward to how we can share this provocative church and the insatiable love of Christ with the Dallas community. In hearing from others about your congregation, what I have come to learn is that FPC Dallas is an authentic congregation that embraces its location in the city center of Dallas. Cal and I are eager for our children to grow up in Dallas’ rich diversity, as well as have them really, truly, know what a good taco tastes like.
Thank you for welcoming me and my family to Dallas. We are so excited to be joining your church family and look forward to meeting you all soon!
Grace, peace, and health to you all,
Meagan
Meagan's Background
Meagan grew up in Orange Park, Florida, as a middle child. She has an older sister and a younger brother. Her parents still live in Florida. Meagan went to college for her undergrad at Florida State University where she majored in Early Childhood Education and minored in Religion. She completed her student teaching in London, England. After college, she worked at her home church in an interim capacity as a Children’s Ministry Director, as well as a Youth Director. She taught Kindergarten for four years, and 2nd grade for one year at two different public elementary schools in the North Florida Area. She received her MDiv from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin, Texas and completed her Clinical Pastoral Education from Baptist Medical in Jacksonville, Florida. In August of 2017, she was ordained at her home church, Orange Park Presbyterian Church. From 2017-2019 she completed a pastoral residency program at Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. During this residency she concentrated on pastoral care, mission, youth, young adults, the creation of a new worship service, and the creation of a narrative budget. In August of 2019 she was called to be an Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church Asheville overseeing Christian Education and Mission. Meagan was called to be the Associate Pastor for Care & Belonging at FPC Dallas on May 16, 2021 and she will begin her work there in August of 2021.
Associate Pastor for Care & Belonging
The Associate Pastor for Care & Belonging is a new position created to support our vision for a growing church that remains committed to the people that have called FPC Dallas home for years. They are responsible for the development, implementation, and growth of the congregation’s care, membership, and groups ministries. They ensure that all congregational visitation needs are fulfilled, conducting hospital, homebound, prison and other visits and deploying other staff and church members to support care needs. The Associate Pastor for Care & Belonging is also the primary contact for end-of-life and funeral/memorial care. They are responsible for discerning the care needs in and through the congregation, facilitating relationships, educational opportunities, and support groups to meet those needs.
While all our pastors share the responsibility for care, the Associate Pastor for Care & Belonging will coordinate our care ministries, ensuring a pastor is present to extend the church's care. If you want to know who is celebrating, grieving, sick, or healing, then Meagan will know where to direct your prayers.
Say "Hello!"
We're looking forward to Meagan's arrival later this year, be on the look out for opportunities to meet her in-person this August. In the mean time, you can send her a welcome by dropping her a note at meaganf@fpcdallas.org.