Bruce Reyes-Chow, American minister and author

Bruce Reyes-Chow stands as a prominent figure within the Presbyterian Church (USA), serving as a Teaching Elder whose extensive career spans innovative church leadership, impactful advocacy, and a significant voice in both traditional and digital spheres. His journey reflects a commitment to progressive theology, social justice, and leveraging modern communication to foster community and spiritual growth.

Born from a diverse academic background and nurtured by a passion for service, Reyes-Chow has not only pastored congregations but also influenced the broader denomination through his leadership, notably as the youngest-ever Moderator of its General Assembly. His work consistently bridges the sacred with the secular, engaging with pressing societal issues while remaining deeply rooted in his faith tradition.

A Foundation in Faith and Diverse Scholarship

Reyes-Chow's academic path laid a multifaceted foundation for his later ministry. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1990 from San Francisco State University, majoring in Asian American Studies, Sociology, and Religion. This interdisciplinary approach provided him with a keen understanding of cultural dynamics, social structures, and theological inquiry, which would prove invaluable in his subsequent roles. Building upon this, he pursued his Master of Divinity degree, graduating in 1995 from San Francisco Theological Seminary, preparing him for the pastoral calling within the Presbyterian Church (USA). His academic excellence was later recognized with an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Austin College in 2011, and that same year, his alma mater, San Francisco Theological Seminary, honored him as a Distinguished Alumnus, underscoring his significant contributions to the church and wider society.

Pastoral Leadership and Innovative Church Planting

Bruce Reyes-Chow's pastoral career began with a four-year tenure at Covenant Presbyterian Church in San Francisco, where he served from 1995 to 1999. Following this, he embarked on a groundbreaking endeavor as the founding pastor of Mission Bay Community Church, located in San Francisco's dynamic SOMA (South of Market) District. From 2000 to 2011, he led this congregation, which was notably described as a "new kind of start-up." This characterization highlighted its innovative approach to ministry, designed to engage a diverse and rapidly evolving urban population, perhaps reflecting a more contemporary and less traditional model of church life. After his impactful tenure at Mission Bay, Reyes-Chow lent his leadership to other communities as a Transitional Pastor and Head of Staff, serving Valley Presbyterian Church in Portola Valley, CA, from 2017 to 2018, and Broadmoor Presbyterian Church in Daly City, CA, from 2018 to 2019. He currently holds the position of Pastor and Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto, CA, continuing his dedicated service to local congregations.

National Leadership: Moderator of the General Assembly

One of the most significant chapters in Bruce Reyes-Chow’s career was his election as the Moderator of the 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). This national leadership role, which he commenced on June 21, 2008, placed him at the forefront of one of the largest mainline Protestant denominations in the United States. Elected from a field of four candidates, he secured 48 percent of the vote on the first ballot and ultimately 55 percent on the second, signaling broad support for his vision.

At just 39 years old, Reyes-Chow made history as the youngest Moderator ever elected, a detail that, coupled with his progressive theological leanings, sparked considerable discussion within the denomination. He was widely regarded as a representative of the more liberal segments of the church, a perspective that led some conservative factions to publicly question the implications of his election for the future direction of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Despite these differing viewpoints, he was characterized by USA Today as a "radical centrist thinker," suggesting an ability to bridge divides and foster dialogue across the theological spectrum. His term as Moderator concluded on July 3, 2010, with the election of his successor, Elder Cynthia Bolbach, at the 219th General Assembly.

The Role of a PC(USA) Moderator

The Moderator:

In the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Moderator is a highly respected and visible leader, elected to preside over the biennial General Assembly, the denomination's highest deliberative body. Beyond presiding, the Moderator serves as an ambassador for the church, representing its values and vision both nationally and internationally. This role involves extensive travel, speaking engagements, and often acting as a bridge between various theological perspectives within the denomination. The Moderator's term typically lasts for two years, until the election of their successor at the subsequent General Assembly.

A Digital Apostle: Blogging and Social Media Engagement

Bruce Reyes-Chow is not only a traditional pastor but also a prolific and early adopter of digital communication in ministry. He maintains a significant social networking presence and believes passionately that blogging can be a spiritual practice, viewing technology as an essential tool for engaging a contemporary, especially younger, church. His insights and reflections have reached a wide audience through various online platforms.

• Current Blogging: Since 2011, he has been a consistent contributor to The Huffington Post, writing on topics ranging from religion and parenting to technology.
• Past Contributions: He previously shared his perspectives on progressive Christianity for Patheos (2011–2014) and contributed to the "City Brights" section on SFGate (2009–2012), the online publication of the San Francisco Chronicle.

Through these platforms, Reyes-Chow has effectively extended his pastoral reach beyond the walls of a physical church, fostering dialogue and community in the digital realm.

Advocacy and Community Involvement

Beyond his direct pastoral and denominational leadership, Bruce Reyes-Chow has demonstrated a deep commitment to social justice and community engagement. He is a vocal supporter of immigrant and refugee rights, a conviction that led him to participate in direct action. In 2018, he was among over 30 faith leaders arrested at the U.S.-Mexico Border as part of an American Friends Service Committee protest. This demonstration aimed to raise awareness about the militarization of the border and to advocate for more humane treatment of refugees and asylum seekers, underscoring his belief in faith-based social activism.

His public service extends to economic development as well. In 2010, he was appointed to the NUMMI Blue Ribbon Commission by California State Treasurer Bill Lockyer. This commission was tasked with the critical mission of convincing the Toyota Motor Corporation not to close their manufacturing plant in Fremont, CA. The NUMMI plant was a significant employer and a symbol of innovative labor-management relations, making the commission's efforts vital for the regional economy and its workforce.

Current Engagements and Contributions

In addition to his ongoing role as Pastor and Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto, CA, Bruce Reyes-Chow continues to contribute to the broader church community as a Senior Consultant and Coach with The Center for Progressive Renewal. This Atlanta-based non-profit organization is dedicated to church development, focusing on strategies for revitalizing congregations and fostering innovative approaches to ministry in the 21st century. Through this work, he guides other church leaders and communities in adapting to new challenges and opportunities, ensuring his influence extends far beyond his immediate pastoral responsibilities.

FAQs About Bruce Reyes-Chow

Who is Bruce Reyes-Chow?

Bruce Reyes-Chow is an American Teaching Elder (minister) in the Presbyterian Church (USA), known for his innovative church leadership, his tenure as Moderator of the General Assembly, his digital advocacy, and his commitment to social justice.

What is a "Teaching Elder" in the Presbyterian Church (USA)?

A Teaching Elder, often referred to as a minister or pastor, is an ordained person in the Presbyterian Church (USA) who is called to preach the Gospel, administer the sacraments, and provide pastoral leadership and theological instruction within a congregation or other ministry setting.

What was significant about his role as Moderator of the General Assembly?

Bruce Reyes-Chow was the youngest person ever elected Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) at 39 years old in 2008. His election represented a more progressive voice within the denomination and sparked important discussions about the church's future direction.

How does he use technology in his ministry?

Reyes-Chow is a prominent blogger and social media user, believing that blogging is a spiritual practice and that technology is essential for engaging a young and contemporary church. He contributes to platforms like The Huffington Post on religion, parenting, and technology, extending his ministry into the digital space.

What are some of his key advocacy efforts?

He is a vocal supporter of immigrant and refugee rights, evidenced by his participation in protests at the U.S.-Mexico Border. He also contributed to civic efforts, such as serving on the NUMMI Blue Ribbon Commission to prevent a significant plant closure in California.