Farewell Mac Mullins, resident pastor

For the past two years, Mac Mullins has served as a pastoral resident at St. Paul. As his residency comes to a close, Mac reflects on the transformation he’s experienced—both personally and professionally—and looks ahead to his next chapter as an associate pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

Q: When you first began your residency at St. Paul, you said, “I know I’m going to be a very different person two years from now.” How do you see that change in yourself today?
Mac Mullins (MM): St. Paul has a high bar for creativity and excellence, and I remember thinking, “How am I supposed to match that?” But the team was right there to collaborate and support me. There’s something so powerful about being part of a team where everyone is confident in who they are and wants to help you rise to that level, too.

I’ve learned to lead in ways I hadn’t before. One of the biggest challenges was navigating the leadership transitions after former senior pastor Peter Marty retired and then pastoral resident Max Franks’ time was completed. It really pushed me to step up. My title may have been “resident,” but what I needed to be for the congregation was much more.

Q: Transitions can be hard, especially saying goodbye. How have you learned to approach that as a pastor?
MM: Saying goodbye is always difficult, but I’ve learned it’s not something to fear. As people of faith, we know how to say goodbye—to people, to parts of our lives, to ministries—and we know how to do it well. It’s not a bad thing. All things come to an end, except God’s love. If we’re rooted in that, we can hold endings with grace.

One of the greatest lessons Peter Marty taught me as he prepared to retire was to find opportunities for joy wherever I can, especially in the transitions. He helped me see how important it is to celebrate people, to celebrate ministry, and to celebrate the ways God is at work, even in uncertain times.

This congregation has been my life for the past two years. So many moments have left their mark on me. This community has helped shape the kind of pastor I want to be.

Q: What’s next for you?
MM: St. Paul’s is a community deeply rooted in tradition—I will be living not far from where George Washington crossed the Delaware River—but they’re also eager to explore what faith formation looks like today.

One of my major focus areas will be developing spiritual formation pathways. Many churches do a pretty good job of creating plans for faith development from birth through high school. But what about life after that? From ages 18 to 50—it’s a long stretch of time, and most churches are struggling with it. After age 18, the “map” for life disappears. People are navigating marriage, identity, career shifts, mental health—and they’re doing it within their own timeline and without a clear guide. The key will be to help the congregation see that formation of faith doesn’t end at confirmation. It’s lifelong.

That’s where the church can be powerful. Not by saying, “Here’s who you have to be,” but by saying, “God walks with you as you become the healthiest, wholest version of yourself, and we want to walk with you through that journey.”

Q: What are you most looking forward to in this next season of ministry?
MM: I’m most excited about being part of a congregation that’s ready to dig deep—to wrestle with hard questions and imagine what comes next. There’s a hunger for meaning, and I see a community that wants to meet people where they are, regardless of age or background.

One of the biggest gifts St. Paul has given me is the preparation for what’s next. I’ve been lifted up, challenged, and deeply shaped here. I’m not stepping out alone. I’m stepping forward with everything I’ve learned, carrying the spirit of this place with me.

“During his time here, Mac has become more comfortable as a pastor. He had some real challenges during the transition time in leadership, and he stepped up to fill that need. Mac related with kids in such a unique way. We had regular coffee chats, and it was always interesting to discuss theology and the history of theology with Mac. I will miss his knowledge; he’s incredibly intelligent and musically gifted.” – John Walston

“Mac has a gift for connecting with people. He listens with his whole heart and creates space for people to learn and grow deeper in their faith no matter their age. We’ve seen him relate to people of all ages with a confidence and wisdom well beyond his age. He has an ability to bring the Bible to a place where everyone can relate. We are honored to have known him and to call him our friend.” – The Bass family (Jeff, Keri, Carter, Ella, Emma)

“Over the past two years, Pastor Mac has become a role model in my life. He helped me to realize that some friendships are not worth keeping, that it’s okay to be myself, and so much more. He never made me feel judged and was understanding and accepting of every person and situation. Mac helped to shape my faith by proving that anyone can follow God.” – Addy Cauwels

Resident farewell gift:
If you’d like to donate to a gift for Mac, please write a check to St. Paul clearly marked for “Resident Gift.” Or give online here. Select “Other-Resident Gift” under the fund type. You’re also invited to send individual cards or notes to the church, or drop a written expression in the basket on the farewell weekend, July 12 & 13. After each service that weekend, a reception will be held in the Gathering Area. Please stop by and wish him well.