Rev. Michael Burch became the Transitional Minister for Shell Ridge Community Church in January, 2018. Ordained by the ABC of Rhode Island in 1994, Rev. Burch has served faith communities on both coasts and has more than 20 years of experience in teaching religion (and coaching) at several universities. Currently a visiting faculty member at the Berkeley School of Theology, he is teaching courses in Gospels, Historical Jesus, and preaching. Michael values conversational-consensus solutions, effective communication, and strategic risk taking in ministry. He is certified in transitional ministry and conflict resolution.
Pastor Burch completed his seminary training through the Berkeley School of Theology, receiving an MA in History of Early Christianity from the Graduate Theological Union-UC Berkeley joint program and later a graduate degree in ancient Mediterranean religions from Brown University.
Michael’s ministry experiences include The First Baptist Church in America in Providence, RI, as the associate minister of religious education, and senior minister at Lime Rock Baptist Church in Lincoln, RI. While in Rhode Island Michael's ministry was devoted to safe housing, food & healthcare access, eldercare ministries, immigration and LGBTQ rights. Before coming to Shell Ridge Michael served as senior minister at a non-denominational interfaith congregation in Berkeley where his ministry was dedicated to multi-faith justice advocacy, racial disparity in criminal justice, homelessness and housing, and LGBTQ youth support.
Pastor Burch enjoys the outdoors, old books, and many kinds of music. He lives in the Bay Area with his wife and three-year old daughter.
Pastor Burch completed his seminary training through the Berkeley School of Theology, receiving an MA in History of Early Christianity from the Graduate Theological Union-UC Berkeley joint program and later a graduate degree in ancient Mediterranean religions from Brown University.
Michael’s ministry experiences include The First Baptist Church in America in Providence, RI, as the associate minister of religious education, and senior minister at Lime Rock Baptist Church in Lincoln, RI. While in Rhode Island Michael's ministry was devoted to safe housing, food & healthcare access, eldercare ministries, immigration and LGBTQ rights. Before coming to Shell Ridge Michael served as senior minister at a non-denominational interfaith congregation in Berkeley where his ministry was dedicated to multi-faith justice advocacy, racial disparity in criminal justice, homelessness and housing, and LGBTQ youth support.
Pastor Burch enjoys the outdoors, old books, and many kinds of music. He lives in the Bay Area with his wife and three-year old daughter.