Get To Know Our Pastoral Staff
Kenneth A. Smith, Senior Pastor. Ken Smith has been serving as Senior Pastor since the church’s beginning in 1978. Beginning with a small group, then meeting in various locations around Princeton, he helped to establish the church in its current location in 1989. Ken graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1978 and received his Doctorate of Ministry degree from Covenant Seminary in 1996. In addition, he has a B.A. from King’s College and M.A. from University of Northern Colorado. For many years he was heard on the daily radio program, “A Firm Foundation,” sharing biographies of a variety of Christians from history. Ken was chairman of the board for Choice One Crisis Pregnancy Center, on the board of the Evangelical Christian Humanitarian Outreach (ECHO) to Cuba, and a Regional Coordinator of the church planting effort of the denomination (PCA). Ken’s vision for the church in Princeton has led to its growth over the years, with a firm belief in reaching out to our community with the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.kensmith@princetonpresbyterian.org
Jim Erickson, Director of Christian Life. Jim has been with Princeton Presbyterian Church since 2006 as the Director of Christian Life. He received his M. Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2006, following a call to ministry after a career in manufacturing. His compassion for people combined with his organizational skills serve to keep both ministries and administration of the church running smoothly.jimerickson@princetonpresbyterian.org
Ed Simpson, Director of Student Ministries. Ed came on board in December 2008 with over fourteen years experience in student ministry. Ed has a passion for students and a strong vision to expand our student ministry. After little more than a year, the ministry has grown considerably, with students excited about the community they share at Princeton Presbyterian Church and the way Christ changes lives. Through mission trips, retreats, Bible studies, and plenty of time to hang out together in various settings, Ed is building momentum among our students to reach their friends and the world. Ed has a degree in Marketing/Business Management from University of Maryland and is co-owner of the skateboard company Omega Skateboards.
edsimpson@princetonpresbyterian.org
Janet Nygren, Director of Assimilation. Janet has been with the church for over 20 years, active in women’s ministry and small group development. After receiving her M.A. in counseling from Westminster Theological Seminary, her role in the church has expanded to include assimilation, looking to the needs of people from when they first set foot in the church to becoming an integral part of the church family as they grow in faith.
janet.nygren@princetonpresbyterian.org
Debbie Barbet, Princeton Presbyterian Preschool Director. Debbie began the Princeton Presbyterian Preschool in 2007, after prior regional experience as the Director of Woodchuck Hollow Cooperative Nursery School from 2005-2008, and the Director of the Princeton Family YMCA Child Care from 2000-2005. She earned a BA degree from UMBC in 1987, and has taken numerous continuing education courses over the years in Early Childhood and Education Administration. Her love for children combined with over 15 years of early childhood expertise as both a teacher and administrator has led to the successful growth of the preschool in our community.
dbarbet@princetonpresbyterian.org
