Welcome, Rev. Bobby Outterson-Murphy!

The EPNC (Heather Hayes, Judy Isaacson, Toby Montgomery, Michelle Vanderberg, and Jim Langley) are thrilled to announce that the Reverend Bobby Outterson-Murphy has been hired to serve as Transitional Executive Presbyter for the Presbytery of East Iowa.

The search process was thorough and thoughtful. Our committee reviewed CLC matches and self-referrals from over 25 candidates, conducted Zoom interviews with seven individuals, and invited two exceptionally strong finalists for extensive in-person interviews.

Throughout the past two years, our presbytery has consistently lifted up the desire for a relational approach to our work and life together. Bobby’s experience and gifts align beautifully with this vision. The committee was particularly impressed with his training and experience in appreciative inquiry and community organizing, which he has honed across a variety of church settings.

Many in our presbytery have already experienced Bobby’s relational and encouraging approach firsthand—through his work with the Committee on Ministry and Vision (COMV), the churches where he has helped moderate sessions and lead transitional discussions, and through his involvement with Plentiful Gifts. His calm demeanor, thoughtful and insightful questions, and encouraging approach to helping faith communities discover God’s call are exactly what our presbytery needs in this season.

We are excited to welcome Bobby into this new role and look forward to working alongside him as we continue our journey together.