Rev. Dr. Barry Szymanski - Bridge Pastor

Barry was ordained in 2006 after entering seminary in 2001 as his 'second career'. Barry has served as a Bridge Pastor, and is a frequent guest preacher at congregational churches. Barry studied Congregationalism in depth in 2007 when he attended the British Historical Congregational Seminar in England; and in 2009 the Congregational Polity Course at Olivet College. He is an active member of the WCA, as well as Classical Congregational Retreat Guides, and is available to lead retreats, workshops, and Bible studies. He has taught the Lay Ministry courses on Preaching and on the Torah, has served the NACCC as an Interim Executive Director, the Board of Directors, and the Clergy assistance committee. His first pastoral internship was at Children's Hospital and his second (CPE) was at Elmbrook Hospital. Currently he teaches the Lay Ministry courses on Pastoral Care and Pastoral Ethics. After graduating from Marquette University Law School in 1973 Barry practiced law until fully retiring in 2020. As a trial lawyer he learned how to win verdicts, and now to win a verdict for God. He also served (part-time) as a sworn law enforcement officer with federal, state, and local agencies, retiring with the rank of detective. Based on many experiences with individuals in stress, he believes that the task of a pastor is to make the faith dynamic and to bring it to life for all. Barry and his wife, Sue, are the parents of daughter, Sarah, who, with her husband, Dave, have blessed Barry and Sue with two grandchildren, Eddie and Opal.