People on the Move: Faulhaber to Succeed Rev. Spencer

People on the Move: Faulhaber to Succeed Rev. Spencer

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Reverend Patrick Faulhabe to Succeed Rebecca Spencer as Senior Minister at the Central Congregational Church

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The members of Central Congregational Church (Central) have voted to call the Reverend Patrick Faulhaber as senior minister, effective January 1, 2024.  Faulhaber will succeed the Reverend Rebecca L. Spencer, who is retiring at the end of the year after a remarkable 35 years of service - the longest in Central's 171-year history.

As senior minister - Central’s eleventh since 1852 - Faulhaber will serve as the spiritual leader of the church, engaging in pastoral care and community service and providing administrative leadership in all areas of church life and function.

The search committee - chaired by Mark McLaughlin, a member of the permanent diaconate - found Faulhaber uniquely suited to serve these roles at a large church like Central.  The committee was impressed by his articulation of Christian values, proven church leadership, and personal qualities. After many interviews, Faulhaber spent several days in Providence, meeting with the Central church community and preaching a sermon entitled "Casting Away God’s People." It became clear that he not only possesses deep empathy and compassion for others, but also is an excellent listener who connects with people and will use a team approach to build consensus and empower Central's congregation. 

Originally from Barrington, R.I., where his family attended Barrington Congregational Church, Faulhaber has served as senior pastor at North Decatur United Methodist Church since 2017.  Prior to that, he was Associate Pastor at Decatur First United Methodist Church and Youth Minister at Loganville First United Methodist Church - all in Georgia.  Mr. Faulhaber will pursue dual standing from the Southern New England Conference, United Church of Christ (UCC), and his ordination will be recognized by the UCC.

Faulhaber received his Bachelor's degree in religious studies from Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer, N.C. and his Master's of Divinity from Emory University's Candler School of Theology in Atlanta.  He and his wife, Susannah Bales Faulhaber, a licensed marriage and family therapist, will relocate to Providence in January 2024.

Central Congregational Church, a member of the United Church of Christ, was established in 1852.