Rev. Alisan Rowland announced Sunday she has accepted the position of senior pastor at the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) in New Orleans and will preach her last sermon here Aug. 10 at MCC San Diego.
Senior Pastor Rev. Dan Koeshall made the stunning announcement to the congregation first, noting the New Orleans MCC congregation voted July 13 to accept her as their new pastor. Rowland and her partner Pam visited New Orleans July 10-14.
“I wouldn’t be able to take this step without you,” said Rowland to the congregation. “We’ll always have a special relationship.”
She was ordained a MCC minister Aug. 18, 2013, but did not actively feel the call to be a full time pastor until more recently. She had been working part time at MCC and also worked as a hospice chaplain.
“I love Alisan dearly and she is one of the most loving and compassionate persons I have ever met,” said member Gary Hein afterwards. “I wish her only the best.”
“Rev. Alisan is the perfect fit for MCC New Orleans! Her experience here in San Diego has prepared her for such a time as this,” said Koeshall. “We will miss her sweet spirit, infectious laugh and beautiful energy.”
She joined MCC in 1997 and served as an intern here and at an MCC in North Hollywood. She earned a master’s degree in divinity at the Claremont School of Theology and sang in the choir.
One of her strengths is counseling as noted by many, including Sherrie Kolb, who said she first came to MCC five years ago and Rowland preached that Sunday. “I wept through all of it, because of her sweet and welcoming demeanor,” said Kolb.
“She listened as I shared with her the pain I endured from other churches’ treatment of me. Through the years, as I’ve struggled with my faith, she has hugged me, prayed with me and most importantly, she has listened to me with her whole being,” said Kolb.
“Ali, you will be missed by all of us, but we now have a reason to head out to New Orleans. The MCC New Orleans is in for the ride of its life,” said Kolb.
“I was blessed to be ordained (here) and this church has nurtured me and taught me necessary pastoral skills for future ministry,” said Rowland.
“During my time here, I have met amazing people who became my family of choice,” said Rowland. “I cherish each and every relationship with those who have been a part of this faith community.”
Attorney Jude Litzenberger said Rowland’s example is “another way that The Met in San Diego serves the greater world.” She noted Rowland was a lay leader for many years before answering her call to professional ministry.
“In our local church, she was trained and nurtured to do ministry as a layperson. A talented singer and preacher, compassionate chaplain and outstanding teacher, her gifts will serve the congregation of MCC New Orleans well,” said Litzenberger.
“We look forward to sharing news of her leadership as our sister church in the Big Easy thrives and grows with her pastoring,” continued Litzenberger.
Rowland said she was excited about the New Orleans church and said, “They are a church of survivors who are ready to thrive!” She added, “They are an amazing group of people and I am pleased to follow God’s call to serve them. I look forward to the future with excitement!”
Rowland and her partner Pam have been together seven years. Pam is about a year away from retirement in her job in San Diego and will remain here tentatively for about a year.
The New Orleans MCC experienced a severe tragedy in 1973 when its pastor and several members were killed in a fire at the church.
MCC San Diego is located at 2733 Denver Street and services are at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Rowland will preach at both services, Aug. 10.
