covenantpresbyterian.us

  • Increase font size
  • Default font size
  • Decrease font size
Home Who We Are Our People

Senior Pastor - Dr. Ernie Hess

Dr. Ernie Hess joined Covenant Presbyterian Church as its senior pastor in August 2006. He previously served as the pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Haddon Heights, New Jersey and Community Presbyterian Church in La Mirada, California.

Ernie and his wife Carol are both graduates of Stanford University and Princeton Theological Seminary. Ernie received his PhD from Princeton in Christian Education and New Testament Studies, and has taught at half-a-dozen theological schools, most recently the Episcopal Theological School at Claremont, San Francisco Theological Seminary of Southern California, and Columbia Theological Seminary.

ernie_preaching

In seeking a call, Ernie was looking for a church that was intentionally inclusive, progressive and multigenerational. He was interested in building bridges among diverse peoples, both locally and worldwide. He expresses a willingness to address complex personal, social and political issues from the perspectives of faith and the human sciences, patiently working toward truth, understanding, peace and justice. He values worship in the reformed tradition that informs the mind, strengthens the will and encourages the heart. Ernie feels that pastoral leadership begins with being in touch with people, with the current situation and with God. "This involves patient listening and careful observation, seeking first to understand rather than to promote a preconceived agenda."

Carol and Ernie have three children, all young adults living on the West Coast: Nathan, 29, Marie, 26, Paul, 21. The family shares a great interest in music, literature, and physical fitness.

You can reach Ernie at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .