Wayne Presbyterian Church Names New Pastor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wayne, Pa., October 23, 2024 – Wayne Presbyterian Church (WPC) has named a new pastor. Reverend Ryan Balsan, 52, is the 14^th pastor in the venerable church’s 154-year history. In his role, Reverend Balsan serves as senior pastor and head of staff.

          “It is humbling to become part of WPC’s long history of serving the greater Wayne community and in southwest Philadelphia,” said Reverend Balsan. “WPC’s evolving legacy is one of loving service to others.”

          Reverend Balsan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Penn State University and a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. Positions prior to his call to WPC include serving as pastor and head of staff at the First Presbyterian Church of Ambler, Ambler, Pa, pastor at the Kirkpatrick Memorial Presbyterian Church, Ringoes, NJ, and associate pastor at the First Presbyterian Church of Norwalk, Norwalk, Ohio.

          “It is important that WPC continue looking at the needs of those it serves, recognizing that the world has changed and as such, prior ways of doing things may not meet the needs of the world today,” said Reverend Balsan. “Among the many things drawing me to WPC is the congregational commitment outside its doors to be a partner with the greater community – something I look forward to continue expanding.”

          Among the WPC initiatives having profound community impact is the partnerships established over the last two decades in southwest Philadelphia. In addition to relationships with Cornerstone Christian Academy and Mitchell Elementary School, in 2013 WPC partnered with community leaders to reenergize the New Spirit Presbyterian Church and establish the Common Place, a community center for those in southwest Philadelphia. Now known as Salt and Light, the church serves a growing congregation in that community.

          “At WPC, we look forward to continuing our mission of serving those in the community with initiatives large and small, all for the purpose of improving our world in the name of Jesus Christ,” said Reverend Balsan.

          WPC was established at 125 E. Lancaster Avenue near the corner North Wayne Avenue. The first church building was dedicated in 1870. The current church’s stone structure with its iconic red doors was dedicated in 1893.

          Reverend Balsan has relocated to Wayne with his wife and four children.