Bishop Bryan John Penman
The Rev. Bryan J. Penman earned his Master of Divinity with a concentration in Metro Urban Studies from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia (now United Lutheran Seminary) in 2012. He was called to serve as Pastor of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Conshohocken, PA, in 2013, where he faithfully ministered until his election as Bishop of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod in 2024.
In addition to his parish work, Bishop Penman joined the synod staff in 2022 as a Director of Evangelical Mission, focusing on congregational vitality. He chaired the synod’s Vitality Team, playing a crucial role in developing and sustaining vital ministries throughout the synod.
Originally from Virginia, Bishop Penman grew up as a lifelong Lutheran at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Stafford, VA. His formative years in the Virginia Synod’s youth ministry programs inspired him to attend Lenoir-Rhyne University, an ELCA institution in Hickory, NC, where he graduated with a degree in English and Religious Studies in 2004.
Before discerning a call to ministry, Bishop Penman worked with his mother in real estate, where they built an award-winning business. Bishop Penman currently resides in Conshohocken, PA, with his devoted husband, Matt, and their adopted son.
Scheduling Visits by the Bishop
The bishop officiates at ordinations and consecrations of rostered leaders and at some installation services. She also regularly visits congregations for special events. To invite the bishop to visit your congregation, contact Yvonne Curtis at 267.323.3747 or via email as far in advance as possible, as the bishop is often scheduled for congregation, Synod and churchwide events as much as a year in advance.
Contact
Bishop’s Messages
Bishop Penman in the News
2018-2022 Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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