The Rev. Dr. Jen Bluestein, coordinator of generational leadership development for Grace Presbytery in Texas, will serve as a visiting pastor at University of the Ozarks for the week of Dec. 1-5 as part of the Struthers Pastoral Leave Program. She will lead the University’s weekly Chapel service at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, in Munger-Wilson Chapel.
In her current role, Bluestein supports faith formation and leadership development efforts in churches throughout North Texas. She also serves as the project director for Renewed Grace, an initiative funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc. to promote the inclusion of neurodiverse children in worship. Prior to joining the staff of Grace Presbytery, she had served as a pediatric chaplain in Fort Worth and in children’s ministry roles in churches in Arkansas and Texas.
Bluestein holds a B.A. in psychology from Seton Hill University, a M.Div. from Phillips Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in pastoral theology from Brite Divinity School. Her doctoral research focused on the construction of children’s agency in the context of trauma and mental health treatment and how this informs pastoral care practices.
Besides children’s ministry, she loves gardening, her spouse, two young adult children, and her dogs.
The Pastoral Study Leave Program was established in 2005 by the late Rev. Dr. James R. Struthers of Stillwater, Okla., a long-time member of the University’s Board of Trustees. Struthers established the program to bring Presbyterian pastors to the U of O campus for personal and professional development.
Topics: Chapel