Rev. Stephanie Perdew

Stephanie is a lifelong member of the United Church of Christ. She received a bachelor’s degree in religion and Native American Studies from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, and a master of divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, from which she also earned Ph.D. She served in parish ministry for 25 years, has served on the adjunct faculties of McCormick Theological Seminary and the University of Chicago Divinity School, and is an affiliate professor of Christian history at Garrett. She holds certificates in online education and in spiritual guidance training. For the past year, she has served on the Illinois Conference UCC staff as an interim associate conference minister. She is an enrolled tribal citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and co-chairs Garrett’s Indigenous Study Committee.

“I am honored to be called to lead the Damascus Project further into its future and to build on its historic legacies,” Stephanie says. “I look forward to using my skills and experience in pastoral ministry, theological education, spiritual formation, and conference staff ministry toward its growth and flourishing. I am impressed with the health and vitality of the Minnesota and Wisconsin conferences and eager to collaborate with conference staff, clergy, and laity in creative, collaborative, and innovative theological education for our churches and people.”