P. Alex Thornburg

Alex Thornburg was born and baptized a Presbyterian. Alex has served three different churches in Owasso, Stillwater, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He graduated from the University of North Texas with a B.S. in psychology, did his Master of Divinity work at Austin Seminary, and is currently completing a Ph.D. in sociology at Oklahoma State University. His dissertation is on how religion is experienced and encountered in a consumer culture.

      Alex has a very warm personality. He has a great sense of humor. He is an engaging storyteller. He and a colleague, the Rev. Ted Foote, Jr., have co-authored two books: Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt and Being Disciples of Jesus in a Dot.Com World.

      Alex and his wife Dr. Teresa Bear have two children, Noah and Emma.

Carol Wright, Moderator, Pastor Nominating Committee  May 2006

Alex Thornburg and Teresa Bear

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

Pastor/Head of Staff, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Madison, WI (2006- )

Stated Supply, Trinity Presbyterian Church, Oklahoma City, OK (2005-2006)

Teaching Assistant, Sociology Department, Oklahoma State University (2002-2006)

University Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Stillwater, OK (2002-2005)

Pastor/Head of Staff, First Presbyterian Church, Owasso, OK (1995 - 2002)

Associate Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Stillwater, OK (1990-1995)

EDUCATION

Ph.D. (Sociology)

M.Div.

B.S. (Psychology)

Oklahoma State University (2002- Present)

Austin Seminary (1990)

University of North Texas (1986)

OTHER SERVICE

Co-founder/Moderator, Progressive Interfaith Coalition, Stillwater, OK (2004-2006)

Member, Committee on Ministry, Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery (2000-2002)

Chair/Member, Leadership Development Department, Synod of the Sun (1996-2000)

Chair/Member, Ecumenical and Social Concerns Committee, EOP (1995-1999)

Keynote Speaker, Synod Youth Workshop, Synod of the Sun (2001-2002)

Director, Synod Youth Workshop, Synod of the Sun (1998-1999)

Member, Justice for Women Committee, Synod of the Sun (1992-1994)

Chaplain, United Ministry Committee for OSU, Stillwater, Oklahoma (1991-1995)

Chair/Member, Justice and Reconciliation Committee, Cimarron Presbytery (1990-1994)