The Interim Pastor Search Committee (IPSC) has selected the Reverend Dr. Ron Hankins (“Pastor Ron”) to fill the role of Interim Pastor with Govans Presbyterian Church. Pastor Ron comes to Govans with 35 years in ministry where he has been blessed to serve diverse congregations which have given him experience to lead and serve in many different settings. His first day at Govans will be Monday, August 19.
Pastor Ron’s approach to preaching, teaching, moderating church meetings or engaging with the local community all stem from his passion to treat all people with love, respect and kindness. The area of ministry that he values the most is Sunday morning preaching, a platform that he holds sacred that provides an opportunity to encourage God’s people in their faith and commitment, while reminding them how much God truly loves them.
Throughout the years, he was extremely successful in helping churches establish and maintain community support programs such as food pantries, clothing drives, community health fairs, 12 step recovery programs. He also encouraged his congregations to implement Presbytery, Synod and PCUSA based programs that battle poverty and promote self-improvement, as well as participate in racism-dismantling conversations.
Pastor Ron comes to Govans with exceptional experience as a pastor in the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. (PCUSA). Most recently, Pastor Ron served as the pastor/head of staff at Silver Spring Presbyterian Church where he led a 400-member congregation for three years before retiring in January 2024.
Prior to his service at Silver Spring Presbyterian Church, Pastor Ron served as the pastor/head of staff at First Presbyterian Church in Odessa, Texas where he led a 130-member congregation from January 2019 to January 2021.
Pastor Ron spent a large part of his ministry serving as the pastor/head of staff at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, Maryland for over 15 years from August 2003 to January 2019 as he administered to a congregation of 150 members.
Pastor Ron got his start with the PCUSA in January 2000 serving as the pastor/head of staff Woodville Presbyterian Church of Richmond, Virginia. Pastor Ron is also retired military chaplain, having completed a total of 23 years of military service which included 13 years in the U.S. Marine Corps (Enlisted), six years in the U.S. Naval Chaplain Corps, and four years with District of Columbia Air National Guard as a Reserve Air Force chaplain.
Pastor Ron’s educational accomplishments include:
· Doctor of Ministry – Regent University School of Divinity, Virginia Beach, VA. (May 2018).
· Master of Divinity – Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond, VA. (May 1999).
· Master of Science in Adult Education, Coppin University, Baltimore, MD, (May 2008).
· Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Park University, Parkville, MO. (Magna Cum Laude, May 1993).
· Certificate in Executive Leadership – McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago IL. (July 2020).
Pastor Ron also leadership experience with the Baltimore Presbytery serving in various roles as a member, moderator and chairperson addressing controversial issues such as dismantling racism.
A native of Somerset NJ, Pastor Ron is married to the former Ms. Linda Jones of Williamsburg, Virginia and together they share a blended family of four adult children.
The IPSC received interest from several candidates and interviewed four candidates. Pastor Ron was the right candidate given his positive approach and willingness to serve as an interim pastor combined with his experience.