Jenniffer Ogden will join the Walla Walla University Church pastoral staff in August.
Alex Bryan, senior pastor, said, “Jenniffer Ogden brings a rich mixture of energy, intelligence, and compassion. She understands the meaning of church work on a university campus as well as the light a Christian congregation can bring to a local community.”
Ogden obtained a bachelor’s degree in communications from Pacific Union College in 2002 and a Master of Divinity degree from Andrews University in 2009.
“PUC was the first Adventist school I attended and holds the dear place in my heart of being the space where Jesus became my dearest friend,” said Ogden.
After completing her master’s degree, Ogden spent eight months in New Zealand working on an evangelistic team.
Ogden is currently serving as an associate pastor at the Hinsdale Seventh-day Adventist church in Hinsdale, Ill., where she works with young adults and as the pastor for “180,” the contemporary service at the church. Before her time in Hinsdale, she was a youth and associate pastor in Green Bay, Wis., at the Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay, and Fish Creek churches.
Paul Dybdahl, head elder and chair of the pastoral search committee, said, “Jenniffer was chosen because of the many positive reports we heard about her ministry from multiple trusted sources, which then lead to direct conversations, and finally, an interview here. I would stress that the choice went in both directions. Our invitation was just that—an invitation. She had to choose us as much as we chose her.”
When Ogden first heard about the position at the University Church, she was hesitant to apply. “I was hesitant because the young adult group in Hinsdale was thriving and I had no real desire to move. However, with much prayer and after visiting WWU, I knew God had plans that He was graciously inviting me to join,” said Ogden.
Ogden will be a role model for both young women and young men on the WWU campus, as well as having the primary responsibility of developing ministry for children, families, and the local community.
“It will be a joy to be a part of an academic community intent on knowing God and sharing Him in new and vibrant ways,” she said.
Ogden was born into a military family, and spent her childhood traveling the world. She has moved 28 times, and has visited 22 countries and all 50 states.
“I love to hike in big open spaces, bake delicious goodies and feed them to others, travel to new places, and read, read, read. I relish a great swim, a good cowboy hat, and a good glass of sweet tea,” she said.
Posted July 21, 2015
