Meet MCC’s New Pastor, K’Lynne McKinley
On April 1, 2011, just about everything changed for K’Lynne McKinley and her partner Sarah Rushing.
On that April 1st they were nobody’s fools, as K’Lynne accepted a new job as pastor at the Rehoboth/Lewes branch of Metropolitan Community Church and the two women got married in a Washington, D.C. ceremony.
“It was a big week,” says K’Lynne, in quite an understatement. “I had to tell my new employers I would have to miss my first week of work, “she says of her marriage and subsequent honeymoon cruise.
But the leaders at MCC didn’t seem to mind. They had just completed their long search for a new spiritual leader for the church and were certain they had gotten just the new hire they wanted in Rev. K’Lynne.
A Mississippi native, K’Lynne is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and received her graduate degree from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Currently, she is in the doctoral program at the George Fox Seminary in Portland, Oregon, doing the dissertation phase of her studies.
That has allowed her to live in Salisbury where she and her partner work in after-school programs. Prior to her accepting the job with MCC, she was a campus minister at Salisbury University.
“The doctoral program I’m in is very ecumenical,” says K’Lynne, “with Catholics, Lutherans, Baptists and more, all studying at this Quaker school.” This kind of diverse spiritual atmosphere and training holds her in good stead to lead our local MCC, as congregants here come from a variety of religious backgrounds as well.
K’Lynne applied for the job last August, when, in addition to wanting to make a job change, and then a life change with her marriage to her partner of eight years, the couple also sought to unite their personal and professional lives by finding a congregation where they could be out of the closet. Sarah is a minister as well, although it is K’Lynne who applied for the MCC job here.
And when she sought that job opening, she realized that MCC fit the bill. The couple started attending MCC last fall, and now that she is Rev. K’Lynne at the church, she says “It feels so liberating to be out and to have people know about our relationship. We were closeted for so long and now I hope I can be of help to people who are in the same situation. I hope our coming out can make a difference.”
And speaking of difference, MCC, in its diversity and with its own special character and culture provides a very different religious atmosphere for K’Lynne. “ In the Southern Baptist tradition, questions are not tolerated. Here. It’s so wonderful to have open discussions and be able to question beliefs.”
K’Lynne didn’t initially want to be a pastor for a congregation, but in MCC she found a place where change is welcome, new ideas and projects encouraged. “Everyone is encouraged to be themselves and it’s a wonderful open atmosphere,” she says. “I love the diversity component.”
As for that diversity, while K’Lynne and Sarah had visited Rehoboth for day trips in the past, they didn’t really know the diversity of the community. They are pleased to discover couples and young families their own age (K’Lynne is 32), along with the more visible gay visitors and retirees.
So how did K’Lynne find the transition from being spiritual leader for students to now working with adults. “It was not a tough transition at all,” she said. “I am very pleased with the direction MCC is going and how the church is like a family. We are set to break ground on our building this month, the money is in place to build, and we are looking forward to growing.”
And MCC is looking forward to growing with K’Lynne McKinley as pastor. Evie Simmons, who chaired the MCC Pastoral Search Committee is not shy about singing K’Lynne’s praises. “After our very first interview with her, I remember the search committee, looking at each other and saying ‘Wow.’ We couldn’t believe that God sent us this youthful, energetic person to help us grow.”
K’Lynne and Sarah, who love sports (they are both runners) and camping have already made friends here, within the congregation and without. Congregant Shawn Noel, also a new friend says “ It’s so wonderful to have someone who is bringing innovative ideas and new technology to us. It’s great. She’s so easy to talk to.”
And talking, informally, at MCC or over coffee is just how K’Lynne wants to run her ministry. “I want anyone who’s struggling, or needing someone to talk with to be in touch. I’m amazed at the number of people I have met who say ‘I’m gay. Do you mean I can still go to church?”’
Yes they can. And Rev. K’Lynne is hoping to be able to help, counsel, and get to know folks who want assistance or want to join MCC. And of course, she is anxious to be able to officiate at civil unions once the Delaware law goes into effect January, 1, 2012.
Welcome to town, Rev. K’Lynne!
Email K"Lynne McKinley or call 302-645-4945.