During the month of October, I will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of my ordination. I had no great plan to take this journey in ministry; it started with a retreat that I gave for a group of women at Brentwood Presbyterian Church (BPC). The greatest outcome of that weekend in Valyermo was me being loved through seminary by an extraordinary group of women and mentored by some of the best ministers I know.
The past twenty-five years has taken me around the country where I have made friends, found trusted colleagues in some unexpected places, and learned that the key to great church leadership is building a team to manage the business of church well, while loving the people every step of the way. I was ordained at BPC and my first call was to Culver City Presbyterian Church. After serving as pastor there, I have worked as a consultant.
As a consultant, I have had the privilege of serving large and small congregations and working with the national and regional offices of many spiritual traditions. I preach, teach, consult, offer spiritual direction, and work as a death doula, meeting people where they are and walking with them on small jaunts or large treks of their spiritual journeys. Over the years, I have also contributed articles to many educational and inspirational journals.
I have always believed that there is more than one path to The Mystery we call God, and because of my openness to the diversity of faith stories I have had the privilege of working with Christian, Baha’i, Unitarian Universalist, Church of Religious Science, Jewish, and Humanist communities, all over the country. Starting in October, and over the ensuing months, I will be visiting with and preaching for the churches that represent pivot points in my journey as a minister of word and sacrament.
I hope you will join me in this celebration of gratitude for my extraordinary journey.
- October 1, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Westchester
- October 8, Brentwood Presbyterian Church, Brentwood
- October 15, Culver City Presbyterian Church, Culver City
- October 22, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Santa Monica
The Rev. Dr. Kikanza Nuri-Robins attended the San Francisco Theological Seminary (PCUSA), and the Starr King School for Ministry (Unitarian Universalist). She has earned a Master of Divinity, a Diploma in the Arts of Spiritual Direction, a Certificate in UU Studies, and a Certificate in Clinical Pastoral Education (chaplaincy). Her studies also include a BA in Sociolinguistics, and an EdD in the Anthropology of Education. Rev. Kikanza provides pulpit supply to many congregations in southern California and serves as Consultant to the Pastor at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Santa Monica. She lives in Los Angeles where she spends her discretionary time playing with colors and textiles in her studio.
