Southminster Presbyterian Church is delighted to announce the installation of Rev. Ryan Echols-Knauber as its new pastor, marking an exciting new chapter in the congregation’s ministry and mission to share God’s refuge and grace in the Des Moines community and beyond.

Both Pastor Ryan and Southminster’s Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) felt a clear leading of the Holy Spirit in this call to partnership. Entering ministry as a second career, Rev. Echols-Knauber brings a rich background in spiritual formation, pastoral care, community engagement, and contemplative prayer. Before entering ministry, he worked for eight years in data science consulting with clients throughout the Pacific Northwest. During that time, he also served deeply within a Zen Buddhist community in Portland, Oregon, where through prayer and reflection, he rediscovered his Christian faith and discerned a call to pastoral ministry.

Rev. Echols-Knauber pursued that call by earning a Master of Divinity from San Francisco Theological Seminary, part of the University of Redlands. He began his ministry as Youth Director at Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church, created and led summer camp curriculum, worship, and pastoral care at Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center, and worked as a chaplain with The Street Chaplaincy, a nonprofit serving unhoused individuals.

Over the past year, Ryan completed his pastoral internship with Windsor Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael, focusing on preaching, worship, contemplative prayer, and connecting congregations with their local communities. He was certified ready to receive a pastoral call by the Presbytery of the Redwoods and attended the 2024 General Assembly of the PC(USA) as a delegate.

“I am inspired by Southminster’s commitment to contemplative prayer, mission, and community,” said Rev. Echols-Knauber. “This church embodies a deep love for God and neighbor — a love that radiates outward in service, justice, and grace. I’m honored to join in that work.”

Southminster Presbyterian Church, located at 19834 8th Ave South in Des Moines (map below), is a welcoming, family-oriented congregation known for its warmth, community outreach, and spiritual depth. The church’s vision is: 

“Becoming a community focused beyond ourselves that experiences and shares God’s refuge and grace.”

Members of Southminster are active in local service, partnering with organizations such as the Des Moines Food Bank, Hospitality House, and Highline Food Bank.

The congregation also shares its space with City of Glory (an East African congregation), and Burien Cooperative Preschool, and supports international mission efforts through partnerships in the Dominican Republic and Guatemala.

Southminster offers Sunday worship at 10 a.m., with accessible transportation provided from Wesley Gardens and Judson Park. Services feature a blend of traditional hymns and contemporary music, followed by a community coffee hour.

For more information about Southminster Presbyterian Church, visit www.spcdesmoines.org or call (206) 878-8133.

  • Thursday, Dec. 18, 7:00 p.m.: Contemplative Christmas Service
  • Through Sunday, Dec. 21: Alternative Christmas Marketplace
  • Wednesday, Dec. 24, 7 p.m.: Christmas Eve Service

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