Joe Rightmyer resigns as PFR head

by Jerry Van Marter

LOUISVILLE — Saying “nine years is long enough for anyone in this type of role,” the Rev. Joe Rightmyer has resigned as executive director of Presbyterians for Renewal (PFR).

      His resignation is effective Friday, June 18.

      In a June 15 announcement, PFR President Jin Kim said, “God has used Joe in countless ways to enhance PFR’s ministries and to embody God’s grace and truth in the larger Church.  We thank God for Joe’s many gifts and tireless ministry among us.”

      In a June 16 interview, Rightmyer told the Presbyterian News Service that he felt “the job has outgrown me. I’m tremendously excited about the growth of PFR — we’ve grown from a very small witness to 12 vibrant ministries at work with great teams leading each of them. A different mix of skills is needed now.”

      Rightmyer, who was a parish pastor before coming to PFR in 1995, said his thoughts “gravitate back toward pastoral ministry, but I’m open to other avenues. I’m excited about where my search and God’s will might lead.”

      One place it won’t lead is to this year’s General Assembly in Richmond, VA. “Everyone knows General Assembly is not Joe Rightmyer’s favorite arena,” he laughed. “But the whole PFR team will be there, so they don’t need me.”

      Kim said the executive director duties will be divided among PFR board members and remaining staff while the search for a new executive director is conducted.