We were saddened to receive the news of the resignation of our Director for Evangelical Mission, Pastor Danielle DeNise. Read her letter here.

Dear Bishop Smith & Synod Leadership,

I’m writing to share my resignation as the Director for Evangelical Mission in the North Carolina Synod effective March 17, 2025.

I began this work when my son was just six months old and just a year into the call, we added our daughter. One of my greatest joys in this work has been how my children have been shaped to see the fullness of God’s beauty in the church—especially through our mission developments. Together we have eaten potlucks in Cherokee and served at the Christ Beloved’s Food Pantry. I will be forever grateful for the ways you as leaders across the synod were so generous with your time and love towards our family.

When Bishop Smith shared his decision to retire, I was already having a sense that my time as the DEM was finished. The skills needed in our synod right now are not mine. I look forward to celebrating who God calls next into this role knowing that their gifts are for the Spirit’s new movement among us.
Trusting in God’s promises, I am beginning an intentional time of discernment for where God might be calling me next. Our family has had much transition in the last year and we are looking forward to steady, simple moments together to breathe and reset.

Thank you for the gift of serving alongside you for nearly eight years. I will forever be marked by this season.

God’s Love and Mine,

Pastor Danielle K. DeNise