Meet PSL's Commissioners and Advisory Delegates to General Assembly

The Presbytery of South Louisiana is blessed to be represented at the 227th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), which will be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by two Commissioners and two Advisory Delegates. Together, they will join Presbyterians from across the denomination in worship, discernment, committee work, and decision-making.

Commissioners have both voice and vote on the floor of the Assembly. Advisory Delegates have voice and an advisory vote that is reported to commissioners but is not binding. Both play an important role in helping the church listen, learn, and discern together.

In addition, our Stated Clerk, Sharon Fortin, will attend General Assembly as a resource to PSL's commissioners and advisory delegates, helping them navigate the many details and responsibilities of the Assembly while supporting their participation in its work.

We invite you to meet the individuals representing PSL at General Assembly and keep them in your prayers as they serve on behalf of the Presbytery of South Louisiana and the wider church.

Miriam Hollar 

Ruling Elder Commissioner

Miriam Hollar serves as a Commissioned Pastor and Parish Associate for Pastoral Care at St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church in New Orleans. Although she is a lifelong Presbyterian, this will be her first General Assembly.

In addition to serving as a Ruling Elder Commissioner, Miriam has been elected Moderator of the Constitutional Interpretation Committee, one of the committees responsible for helping the Assembly discern matters related to the church's constitution and polity.

Reflecting on the experience ahead, Miriam shared that she is "awed by the organizational talents that are preparing for our time of discernment together in Milwaukee."

Rev. Jerry Egbert 

Teaching Elder Commissioner

Rev. Jerry Egbert serves as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in DeRidder. He comes to General Assembly with a unique perspective, having previously served as a Student Assistant at two General Assemblies and as a commissioner to the special 2020 General Assembly, which met virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jerry notes that serving as a Student Assistant gave him a firsthand appreciation for the enormous amount of work required to bring a General Assembly together. Reflecting on the difficult decisions made during the 2020 Assembly, he recalls the challenges of postponing many important issues while addressing only constitutionally required business.

Before entering ministry, Jerry served 24 years in the U.S. Army. Now in semi-retirement, he approaches the work of the church with gratitude, humor, and perspective:

"Some of the days will be long, but not to worry, there will be coffee. Some of the decisions may be frustrating, not to worry, it is never personal. Let everything we do be for the glory and honor of God and the rest will take care of itself. Whether we like it or not, we will be a part of the history of this denomination we serve."

Matt McGraw 

Theological Student Advisory Delegate

Matt McGraw is a member of University Presbyterian Church in Baton Rouge and a recent graduate of Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas. He was recently certified ready for call by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry and is currently seeking his first call to pastoral ministry.

This will be Matt's first General Assembly. He will serve on the Theological Education and Ordination Committee, where participants will consider matters related to seminary education, preparation for ministry, and the formation of future church leaders.

Arden Weiser

Young Adult Advisory Delegate

Arden Weiser is a member of St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church in New Orleans, where she has served as a Youth Elder and has been actively involved in the life of the congregation.

Arden graduated with honors from Ursuline Academy this spring and will attend Mississippi State University this fall, majoring in Marketing with a minor in Creative Writing. She will represent young adults across the church as a Young Adult Advisory Delegate, bringing the perspective and voice of a new generation to the Assembly's deliberations.

One fun fact: Arden is a twin. Her sister, Savannah, will also be attending General Assembly as a visitor and hopes to participate in as many YAAD activities as possible.

Please keep Miriam, Jerry, Matt, Arden, and Sharon in your prayers as they travel to Milwaukee, worship, discern, and serve. May God grant them wisdom, patience, joy, and a deep awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence throughout their time at General Assembly.