Q&A with ACGC’s Newest Hire!
Catherine Rybicki will be taking on the job of Missions Engagement Coordinator for the Department of International Missions. In her new role, Catherine will be working to involve our North American churches more meaningfully in International Missions. She will also begin to lead missionary recruitment efforts.
Catherine hails from Atlanta, Georgia, where her home church is Hope Community Fellowship in Loganville, Georgia with Pastor Brent Ross. At a young age, she accepted Christ and began to walk in the way of the Lord. Catherine attended the Berkshire Institute for Christian Studies, where she fell in love with the study of Scripture. From there, she attended Toccoa Falls College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies. During her time at Toccoa Falls, she decided that she wanted to pursue further education, ultimately aspiring to a doctoral degree. After receiving encouragement from friends, family, professors and ACGC’s own Matt Larkin, Catherine attended Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts where she earned a Master of Divinity. During her time at Gordon-Conwell, Catherine spent time being mentored by Frank and Judy Jewett in Haverhill, MA. Catherine’s love of Scripture has flourished and continues to thrive, as well as her desire to serve in ministry and leadership development. Since graduating with her M.Div., she has worked in higher education in various supporting staff roles. She looks forward to joining the team at ACGC, and serving local and international churches across the denomination.
To get to know Catherine better, we asked her the following questions:
1. What excites you most about this new job?
I am most excited about joining a team of people who are dedicated to the growth and evolution of the Advent Christian denomination, and sharing in that dedication. I look forward to working with people who are passionate, driven and supportive.
2. You have a work history in higher education. What’s the biggest professional challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?
The biggest professional challenge I faced was navigating a toxic workplace environment. I overcame it ultimately by recognizing that it was time to leave, and I began earnestly praying for the Lord to open a new door. He did. Through this experience I learned that prayer is powerful, the people who love you and support your dreams and goals are your strongest allies, and that it’s ok to ask God to make things crystal clear when you are filled with uncertainty on what to do next.
3. What do you like to do in your downtime besides reading theological books?
I love crafting, watching Netflix period dramas and listening to audiobooks that are not theological. 🙂
4. If you could travel back in time, what would you tell your 15-year-old self?
I would tell my 15-year-old self that everything will be ok. Life may be difficult at times, but Christ is still on the throne. Don’t get hung up on the small things and remember to look at the big picture. Trust your gut and intuition because God gave that to you for a reason. It’s ok to be angry, sad and upset with God – he loves you, because he loves you, because that’s who he is. Everything will be ok.
5. Podcasting is all the rage; if you were to start one, what would it be about?
I would start a podcast about hearing the stories of women. Some who know me know that my academic research has long centered around the voices of women in religious settings. I think it would be interesting to host a podcast to listen to and discuss the stories of women. I think I’d call it “A Seat at the Table.”
6. You’re moving to a new city and starting a new job. What’s one thing you wish people knew about you that’s not immediately apparent?
I’m a listener. As a fairly guarded person by nature, I’m quiet. But I listen to everything around me. I was taught to never judge others or make assumptions, and to be observant. So, I listen.
7. At ACGC, we love our carbs. What’s your favorite way to eat a potato?
It’s a tie between french fries or scalloped potatoes! Depends on the occasion.
Catherine will be starting next week on April 4th. Please pray for her as she begins this new chapter.
Florida Conference Recap
This past weekend, Justin Nash and I attended the Florida Conference at the Advent Christian Village on Friday night and Saturday morning. Rev. David Buchanan chaired the meeting in the absence of President Phillip Williamson, as he unable to attend due to illness. It was again great to come face to face with pastors and leaders from the Florida conference churches. The meetings began with a communion service conducted by Village Church pastor Rev. Sam Worley and then Vice President Buchanan opened the meetings. Each of the district presidents gave updates on what has happened over the last two years. ACV president Craig Carter shared about the ministry of the Village and how it handled the pandemic and current ministries. Superintendent Joe Pritchett and I shared about ministries in SACA and ACGC. The meeting was closed with recognition of those who earned continuing credit certificates and a remembrance of those who had died since the last conference. It was good to gather and have fellowship in another conference meeting.
