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The pastor is called to empower the people to follow God’s vision. Reverend Deborah L. Coggin grew up in Richmond, Virginia. She is a graduate of Mary Washington College . After over 13 years of service with the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry, Pastor Deb attended Wesley Theological Seminary where she received her Masters of Divinity degree, Cum Laude, in May 2000. After seventeen years of involvement as laity within the church, Pastor Deb was ordained in the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches in June of 2000.
In accordance with our by-laws, the role of pastor is as follows: The Pastor is the UFMCC clergy person with a license to practice who has been called by God and elected by the church to be responsible for the duties of teacher, preacher, and spiritual leader until such time that the relationship is terminated. The Pastor shall also fulfill such other roles and responsibilities as are stated in the UFMCC Bylaws and the policies of the church. The Pastor shall have authority for ordering all worship services of the church; determining when other worship services will be held, subject to approval of the Board of Directors; appointing compensated and uncompensated church staff, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors; and determining compensation, vacation periods, and titles of office of the church staff, subject to approval of the Board of Directors. The Pastor shall serve as a voting member of the Board of Directors, Moderator of the Board of Directors and of Congregational Meetings, personnel director, and as the primary spokesperson of the church to the community.