THOMAS G. KIRKPATRICK
MAY, 2023
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Address: 25637 E. Lake Wilderness Drive S.E., Maple Valley, WA 98038
Phone: 253.569.0644(c) Website: tomkirkpatrick.org
Email: tomgkirkpatrick@comcast.net Date of birth: November 1, 1942
EDUCATIONAL RECORD
Ph.D. 1981 University of Washington, Seattle, Washington Speech Communication (Interpersonal & Small Group Communication) Dissertation: Small Group Discussion Leadership in a Volunteer Organization
D.Min. 1978 San Francisco Theological Seminary, San Anselmo, California Dissertation: Conceptualizing & Developing Community in a Congregation
M.A. 1977 University of Washington, Seattle, Washington Speech Communication (Interpersonal & Small Group Communication)
M.Div. 1967 Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California
B.Mus.Ed. 1964 University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
EMPLOYMENT RECORD
2008-09 Kent 1st Presbyterian Church, Kent, Washington.
Position: Interim Music Director.
Responsibilities: Oversee church music program, rehearse and conduct church choir.
2000-01 Little Church on the Prairie Presbyterian Church, Lakewood, Washington.
Position: Interim Associate Pastor.
Responsibilities: Administrative Leadership, Corporate Worship & Administration of Sacraments, Proclamation of the Word, Education Program, Small Group Ministry, New Member Orientation, Long-Range Planning.
1999 University of Washington Masters in Business Administration, Seattle, Washington.
Position: Communication Consultant.
Responsibilities: Evaluate individual and group public presentations.
1987-99 Westminster United Presbyterian Church, Galena, Illinois.
Position: Pastor.
Responsibilities: Corporate Worship & Administration of Sacraments,
Proclamation of the Word, Educational Program, Visitation, Congregational
Fellowship, Mission in & Beyond the Local Church, Administrative Leadership,
Presbytery & Synod Service, Ecumenical & Community Relations.
1987-99 University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa.
Position: Adjunct Professor.
Responsibilities: Develop & teach courses in Speech Communication in Ministry,
Christian Formation, Leading Committees & Discussion, Small Groups in the Church, Managing Interpersonal Conflict, Improving Listening Effectiveness, Strategies for Effective Ministry, Power & Influence in the Church, and Supervised Practice of Ministry in Clergy Ethics. Supervise Field Education and Independent Studies. Serve as D.Min. Seminar Leader and Dissertation Reader.
1994-99 University of Dubuque, Dubuque, Iowa.
Position: Adjunct Professor.
Responsibilities: Teach undergraduate course in Basic Speech Communication and graduate course in Organizational Communication.
1980-87 Whitworth University, Communication Studies Department, Spokane, Washington.
Position: Associate Professor and Department Chairperson.
Responsibilities: Chair Communication Studies Department, Advise Graduate and
Undergraduate Students, Direct Internship Program, Submit Grant Proposals, and Serve on Committees. Teach courses, including Small Group Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Introduction to Public Speaking, Verbal and Nonverbal Communication, Communication Ethics, Mass Communication and Society, History of Communication, Conflict Management, Organization Communication, Advanced Public Speaking, Persuasion, Argumentation and Debate, and Improving Listening Effectiveness.
1978-80 Pacific Lutheran University, Communication Arts Department, Tacoma, Washington.
Position: Instructor.
Responsibilities: Teach one four-hour course, Fundamentals of Oral
Communication, per semester.
1975-79 University of Washington, Speech Communication Department, Seattle, Washington.
Position: Pre-Doctoral Teaching Associate.
Responsibilities: Teach one course per quarter, either two five-hour sections
of Principles of Oral Communication or one five-hour section of Introduction to
Public Speaking.
1972-73 Presbytery of Seattle, Seattle, Washington.
Position: Director of Camps and Conferences.
Responsibilities: Assess needs, develop and interpret programs, recruit and
train camp staff, direct camps and conferences, lead staff team, church relations, and long-range planning.
1967-72 InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Western Oregon and Washington.
Position: Campus Minister.
Responsibilities: Develop campus ministry strategy, develop and teach
leadership training courses, counsel, public and ecumenical relations, plan and direct camps and conferences.
CONTINUING EDUCATION.
2012, 2013 Interim Ministry Education Consortium Annual Event, PCUSA.
2012, 2013 PresbyFest, Seattle Presbytery.
2012 9th Annual Ethiopian Mission Network Conference, PCUSA.
2011 On Wise Ground: Soul Care and Sabbath Retreat, Olympia Presbytery.
2010 11th National Multicultural Church Conference, PCUSA.
2010, 04, 00 Healthy Boundaries Training, Olympia Presbytery.
2008 Doing Greater Things Workshop, Kent 1st Presbyterian Church.
2008 Peacemaking Conference, Seattle Presbytery.
2006 Retirement and Financial Planning Seminar, PCUSA Board of Pensions.
2005 Peter Steinke Healthy Congregations Seminar-Part 2, Olympia Presbytery.
2004 Peter Steinke Healthy Congregations Seminar-Part 1, Olympia Presbytery.
2001-03 Independent Reading, Study, Research, and Writing Projects on Church
Administration, Church Financial Management, Church Outreach & Growth, and
Generational Differences (3 to 7 days).
2000 Interim Ministry Training (Phase 2 through National Ministries Division, PCUSA).
1999 Interim Ministry Training (Phase 1 through National Ministries Division, PCUSA).
1999 Leadership for Community, Alban Institute Conference.
1994-98 Independent Reading, Study, Research, and Writing Projects on Worship and
Preaching, Leadership Development, Strategic Church Planning, and Small Group Ministries (3 to 7 days).
1991 Practical Ministry Conference, and American Academy of Religion Conference.
1987-94 Cascade Summer Conference, and Whitworth Institute of Ministry Conference.
HONORS
1998 Outstanding Board Member Certificate of Appreciation, CHOICES for Family Peace and Justice Domestic Violence Program.
1977 Selected as Participant, Doctoral Honors Seminar in Relational Communication, Northwestern University.
MAJOR TEACHING, RESEARCH, AND CONSULTING INTERESTS
Theology and Practice of Ministry: Church administration, small group ministry, congregational studies, Christian formation, leadership development, conflict management, effective listening, and human liberation.
Interpersonal and Small Group Communication: Group dynamics, family
communication, gender communication, group decision-making, task group
leadership, relational communication, and managing power and influence.
Organizational Communication: Developing community, planning and goal
setting, and leadership style and effectiveness.
Public Speaking: Speech preparation and delivery, and persuasive communication.
WRITING
Books
Small Groups in the Church: A Handbook for Creating Community (Herndon, VA: Alban Institute, 1995).
Communication in the Church: A Handbook for Healthier Relationships (Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Alban Publication, 2016).
Better Ways to Better Relationships in the Church: Guidelines for Practicing Humility, Experiencing Empathy, Feeling Compassion, Showing Kindness, Expressing Appreciation, and Doing Justice (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2021)
Convention Papers
“The Ideology of Religious Sanctuary.” Presented to Speech Communication Association Convention, Denver, Colorado, 1985.
“Coalition Formation Theory and Conflict in Decision-Making Groups.” Presented to Northwest Communication Association, Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, 1978.
“Conceptualizing and Measuring Relationship Satisfaction.” Presented to Western Speech Communication Association, Phoenix, Arizona, 1978.
“Translating Decision-Making Theory into Practice.” Presented to Northwest Communication Association Convention, Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, 1978.
“Affiliation Theory and Small Groups.” Presented to Northwest Communication Association Convention, Vancouver B.C., 1977.
Grants, Reports, and Articles
“The Quest for Watties Neach,” (A Compilation of Kirkpatrick Scottish Ancestry),
2014.
“Another Committee? You Must Be Crazy!” Eight Guidelines for Leading
Meetings,” Congregations Magazine, Issues 3 & 4, 2013, 8-12.
Communication Studies Department Grant Writer, Submitted seven Grant
Proposals (received four grants totaling over $85,000), Whitworth University,
1980-86.
Inland Empire Electrical Engineers Newsletter Contributor, 1983.
Communication Studies Department Internal Evaluation Report Writer, Whitworth
University, 1982.
“Off-Campus Study Requirements of Whitworth College,” The Communicator, 1981, 11, 12-21.
SERVICE
Community Groups and Organizations
Amnesty International, Local Chapter Member, Spokane, Washington, 1980-82.
Bread for the World, Local Chapter Member, Dubuque, Iowa, 1993-99.
CHOICES for Family Peace & Justice (Serves Victims of Domestic Violence),
Organizer and Board President, 1987-99.
Domestic Abuse Women’s Network Board Member, Executive Committee Member,
and Strategic Planning Committee Chair, 2002-08.
Galena Brass Founding Member, 1996-99, and Galena Community Band Member,
1987-99.
Kiwanis International, Local Chapter Member, Galena, Illinois, 1997-99.
KPBX Board, Spokane Public Radio Station, 1980-81.
Sojourn House, Inc. Board (Chemical Dependency Treatment Center), Freeport, Illinois, 1987-91.
Soroptimist Scholarship Judge, Inland Empire Chapter, Spokane, 1982.
Spokane Community Access Television Organization, Organizer and Convener, Spokane, Washington, 1981-82.
Washington State Speech Communication Association Vice-President, 1982-84.
Consultant
Conflict Management: Dubuque 3rd Presbyterian Church, 1992; Washtucna
Presbyterian Church, 1986; Chattaroy Community Church, 1983; and
Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 1982.
Small Group Ministries: United Churches of Olympia, 2008; Palo Alto 1st
Presbyterian Church, 1998; The Alban Institute, 1997; Union Seminary,
Richmond, 1996; Shadle Park Presbyterian Church, 1984-85; Knox Presbyterian
Church, 1983-84; Manito Presbyterian Church, 1983-84; Northwood Presbyterian
Church, 1982-87; Millwood Presbyterian Church, 1982; Kelso 1st Presbyterian
Church, 1978; Skyline Presbyterian Church, 1977-79; and Redmond
Presbyterian Church, 1976-77.
Ecclesiastical
Affirmative Action Committee Chairperson, Whitworth University, 1983-87.
Association of Presbyterian Interim Ministry Specialists, Book Review Editor, 2012.
Bequest Task Force Facilitator, Kent 1st Presbyterian Church, 2009.
Bi-Centennial Fund Committee Vice-Moderator and General Council Representative,
Blackhawk Presbytery, 1990-97.
Christian Education Committee, Olympia Presbytery, 1977-79 (Adult Education Sub-
Committee Chairperson, 1978-79).
Church and Society Committee, Blackhawk Presbytery, 1988-94 (Women’s Concern
Sub-Committee, 1988-94).
Church Education Committee, Whitworth University, 1983-87.
Church Leadership Development Committee, Inland Empire Presbytery, 1981-87
(Church Officer Training Sub-Committee, 1985-87; Specialized Ministry Sub-Committee Chair, 1982-85).
Clergy Support Group Member, Olympia Presbytery, 2001-Present; and Convener,
Blackhawk Presbytery, 1988-99 and Olympia Presbytery, 1975-79.
Commission on Ministry, Olympia Presbytery, 2017-22 (Co-Moderator, 2018-21).
Committee on Representation, Convener, Olympia Presbytery, 2014-16 and
Co-Moderator, 2011-2012; and Moderator, Blackhawk Presbytery, 1994-99.
Committee on Women and the Church, Inland Empire Presbytery (1980-84), Synod
of Alaska-Northwest (1978-79); and Olympia Presbytery (1977-79).
Communication Technology Committee, Whitworth University, 1980-86
(Chairperson, 1980-82).
Consultation on Christian Education, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Program Agency, 1984.
Conversations on the Way Study Group, Facilitator, 2011-Present.
Faculty Search Committees, Whitworth University, 1980-86 (Member, 13 and Chairperson, 2).
General Assembly Commissioner, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 2012; and
Commissioner and Committee Vice-Moderator, 1998.
General Assembly Committee on Representation Member, 2012-16.
Human Sexuality Design Team Convener, Blackhawk Presbytery, 1993-96.
Interim Pastors Support Group Member, Olympia Presbytery, 2001-03.
Kent 1st Presbyterian Church Resource Person for Small Group Ministries, Adult
Education, Multicultural Task Force, and Nurture Ministry Team, 2001-16.
Leadership Development Division, Synod of Alaska-Northwest, 1984-86 (Specialized Ministry Committee Chairperson, 1985-86; Liaison to Cascades Presbytery Summer Conference Planning Committee, 1984-86).
Lectionary Texts Study Group, 2007-14.
Media Committee, Whitworth University, 1980-83.
Music Ministries Task Force Facilitator, Kent 1st Presbyterian Church, 2008.
Northwood Presbyterian Church Parish Associate for Small Group Ministry,
Nominating Committee, and Sanctuary Support Group, 1982-87.
Permanent Judicial Commission Member, Synod of Alaska-Northwest, 2010-16;
and Olympia Presbytery Member and Clerk, 2004-09.
San Francisco Theological Seminary Doctor of Ministry Dissertation/Project Advisor, 1984-87.
Skyline Presbyterian Parish Associate for Board of Deacons and Adult Education
Committee, 1977-79.
Social Science Division Chairperson, Whitworth University, 1981-82 (Member of Faculty Executive Committee and Faculty Representative on Trustee Student
Life Committee).
Special Disciplinary Committee, Blackhawk Presbytery, 1990-92.
Support Group Convener, Westminster United Presbyterian Church, Galena, Illinois,
1987-94; and Northwood Presbyterian Church, Spokane, Washington, 1981-87.
Task Force on Women, Whitworth University, 1980-87.
United Churches of Galena Board, Galena, Illinois, 1987-99.
University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, Field Education Supervisor, and D.Min. Dissertation Reader, 1988-99.
Speaker, Teacher, and Trainer
Adult Education Teacher, Rainier Beach Presbyterian Church, 2017-19; Kent 1st Presbyterian Church, 2002-16; Galena Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1987-99; Knox Presbyterian Church, 1984; Pullman 1st Presbyterian Church, 1984; Northwood Presbyterian Church, 1981-85; Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 1981-84; Millwood Presbyterian Church, 1983; and Skyline Presbyterian Church, 1977-79.
Associated Students Leaders’ Retreat Speaker, Whitworth University, 1981.
Black Student Union Symposium Panelist on Liberation Theology, Whitworth University, 1982.
Blended Families Workshop Co-Leader, St. Marks Community Center, Dubuque,
Iowa, 1994.
Chapel Speaker, University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, 1992; and Whitworth
University, 1982.
Church Officer Retreat Speaker/Facilitator, Palo Alto 1st Presbyterian Church, 1998;
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Cedar Rapids, 1993; Schapville Zion
Presbyterian Church, 1988; Sandpoint Presbyterian Church, 1982; and Moscow
1st Presbyterian Church, 1981.
Church Renewal and Evangelism Workshop Leader, Blackhawk Presbytery, 1988.
Conflict Management Workshop Leader, High School Youth Group, Galena, 1996;
Cascades Summer Conference, 1985; and Inland Empire Presbytery Day, 1982.
Dorm Chaplains’ Retreat Speaker, Whitworth University, 1982.
Effective Listening Workshop Leader, High School Youth Group, Galena, 1996; and
Cascades Summer Conference, 1986. .
Faculty Development Day Seminar Facilitator, Whitworth University, 1986, 1983.
Faculty Member, Transitional Ministry Education Team, Synod of Alaska-
Northwest, 2011-2012.
Forum Debate Moderator on Divestiture in South Africa, Whitworth University, 1985.
Improving Interpersonal Communication Workshop Leader, Cascades Summer Conference, 1992.
Pulpit Supply, Kent 1st Presbyterian Church, 2001, 2002, and 2004-09;
Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, 2002; Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church,
2002; and Northwood Presbyterian Church, 1992.
Small Group Leadership Trainer, Whitworth University Chaplain’s Office, 1982.
Small Group Ministries Speaker, Sunnyside Presbyterian Church, 2006.
Small Group Ministries Workshop Leader, Kent 1st Presbyterian Church, 2001 and
2012; Blackhawk Presbytery Church Officer Training, 1992; Cascades Summer
Conference, 1984; Synod of Alaska-Northwest Convocation, 1983; Whitworth
Institute of Ministry, 1982; and Inland Empire Presbytery Day, 1981-84.
Communication in the Church 