To the congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Burlington:
The Interim Search Committee, having met nine times, reviewed the qualifications of five candidates, three of whom were interviewed directly. We also wrote a position description, interview and reference questions and terms of call for the position of Interim Pastor.
We are pleased to announce that our unanimous choice, Rev. Michael J. O’Brien, was appointed as our Interim Pastor beginning on August 19, 2014 by vote of the Presbytery of Boston held at our church on August 18, 2014.
Rev. O’Brien is a graduate of Gettysburg College, holds an M.Div. degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and a MSW degree from Rutgers University Graduate School of Social Work. He did his Basic Clinical Pastoral Education unit at Worcester State Hospital and completed 4 Advanced units of Clinical Pastoral Education in a Chaplaincy Residency program at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento, CA. He has served as either Senior Pastor, Pastor, Assistant/Associate Pastor or Interim Associate Pastor at four Presbyterian churches in New Jersey and Maryland from 1977 to 2009. From July, 2010 to July, 2014, he served as Chaplain at Beacon Hospice in Plymouth, MA, having been Chaplain at Sutter Medical Center for the prior year.
The Interim Search Committee did reference checks on Rev. O’Brien and all were found to be very satisfactory. Our direct interview with him revealed a very competent, enthusiastic and compassionate individual committed to serving the whole church in its many facets. His preaching, which we viewed on YouTube, was lively and presented the Gospel in a relevant and personal way. He is an effective administrator and has a true gift for empathic listening We would encourage all to introduce themselves to Mike, and his wife Pam, in the coming Sundays.
– The Interim Search Committee
Presbyterian Church in Burlington 