Trinity Pastor Making Big Impression On Church

Pastor Adam Hearlson, a 29-year-old native of Newport, Calif., has been making a big impression among the church members of Trinity United Church, and it's not only because of his 6' 7" stature.

Hearlson is currently a doctoral candidate at Princeton Theological Seminary, where he is completing his studies that started after a journey launched by the death of his older brother

Unsure of his calling at 18, he thought of being a firefighter or paramedic and started EMT training. As an EMT, Hearlson said he found himself a part of intimate experiences with near-dying people that showed him a "deep love present in the world."

But when his older brother died at the age of 25 of a brain condition in 2002, Hearlson began a spiritual—and physical—journey that led him to Europe, where he said he experienced a transformation at a Catholic church in Ronda, Spain. He found a purpose in life. 

“I was struck by a call to ministry," Hearlson said. "I wanted to tend to people’s souls above their bodies.”  

Hearlson said he cried, and felt the call of God in his life. When he returned home, he heeding this call and became a youth and family pastor in California. Pursuing this further, he applied to continue studies at the Princeton Seminary, as well as St. Andrews of Scotland. He chose Princeton for its larger curriculum, and is now  working towards his doctorate in Practical Theology, with emphasis on Homiletics (science of preaching).

When he sought out a church in which to develop his craft, he found Trinity Church, here he said he found a healthy and strong community with vitality and a generous spirit. The church members speaking highly of him as well.

“Adam has a unique way of weaving humor and personal stories with solid Biblical principles in each and every sermon, making the texts come to life," church member Cyndy Reames said.

Mildred Waale, also a member of the church, said tht he "stirs the listener’s deepest theological and spiritual thought as he challenges our spiritual growth.” 

Hearlson will preach at Trinity for the remainder of the year, and possibly next, as he continues his studies.

”I am happy and blessed to be here, I feel called to this place to talk about God’s impact in our lives,” he said. “I will foster discernment and wisdom to keep Trinity’s momentum going for the next pastor.”

After that, he and his fiancée, fellow Princeton Theological doctoral candidate Christy Lang, look forward to returning to their West Coast roots.

But until then, Trinity members feel like they are the "Little Church with the Big Preacher."