MEET TWO MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2020
The Rev. Dr. Lou Ventura, D.Min./Parish Focus
Ordination: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Covenant pastor at Franklin (Va.) PC, Virginia native Lou Ventura knew about PTS through the Seminary’s “great reputation and references from alums”—and her husband! He hails from Pittsburgh.
Lou names the people of PTS, collectively, as the highlight of her program. “Without a doubt,” she says, “the staff, professors, and my D.Min. cohort made my experiences in the program fun, rewarding, and personally and professionally fulfilling” all at the same time.
As Lou continues her parish ministry, work at the presbytery level, and exploration of mid-council opportunities, she aims to use what she’s learned in her D.Min. program “to the glory of God, whatever that may be and wherever that may take me.”
Joshua Demi, M.Div.
Provisional elder: The United Methodist Church
I believe that questions are good. They drive us to love God with our minds. So I intend to use my Seminary MDiv degree to help people ask questions, love God with their minds, and embrace the love of our God, who is big enough, strong enough, and faithful enough to hold our questioning hearts.
Perhaps the most formative aspect of my experience at PTS consisted in worshiping with the Seminary community and serving as facilities coordinator for the Chapel Team. Now as a graduate, I am serving as senior pastor of Windover Hills UMC in the South Hills of Pittsburgh.