The Rev. Cheryl Burke is the Associate Conference Minister with primary responsibility for serving our Southwest and Covenant Associations. She joined the staff September 1, 2005

A graduate of Hope College who once lived in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Cheryl earned her Master of Divinity at McCormick Theological Seminary. Along with Intentional Interim Ministry training, she has done continuing education in the areas of women and economic justice; church growth, new church starts, and evangelism; conflict mediation skills; and spiritual leadership. She returns to Michigan from most recently serving as the Association Minister for the Fox Valley Association of the Illinois Conference.

Cheryl sees her “personal mission is to be a healing presence in the world,” and she allows five spiritual principles to keep her focused: “Show up!” “Pay attention!” “Tell the Truth!” “Don’t be afraid!” and “Don’t forget to breathe!”

In her Statement of Ministry she shares her “…passion for helping people to remember and tell their own faith stories, to reconnect with the faith that once felt much closer and more vital. There are many hurting people out in the world,” she observes, “who have left the church or been wounded and kicked out of the church. I want them to know that God loves them. I want them to know that there is a church that will welcome them home.”