Del Burnett

My Journey

Looking back, it’s clear that each chapter of my life
has been part of something much larger.

I spent decades as a Presbyterian pastor (PCUSA), serving congregations from the sun-soaked cities of California to the icy quiet of Fairbanks, Alaska—and eventually the green hills of Oregon. Urban, suburban, rural… each place came with its own set of challenges, gifts, and people to walk alongside. Most of the time, I served as the lead pastor, navigating the complexities of congregational life and staff leadership. Other times, I stepped into transitional roles, helping churches find their footing during seasons of change.

Academically, my path started with a degree in Psychology. That curiosity about what makes people tick led me to a Master of Divinity, and later a Doctor of Ministry focused on Congregational Revitalization. Along the way, I pursued further studies in Ethics and Social Theory, always chasing the deeper “why” behind how we live and lead.

But something shifted early in my ministry. I realized I wasn’t just leading people on a spiritual journey—I was on one myself. That realization opened doors. Over time, I became a certified spiritual director, an MBTI practitioner, a conflict mediation specialist, a consultant to leaders and congregations, and a Benedictine Oblate. Each role became another path on the larger road.

Some of the most formative steps in that journey took place far from the pulpit. Pilgrimages to Iona, Lindisfarne, and the Camino de Santiago confirmed what I’d been learning all along: it’s the journey—not just the destination—that forms and sustains us. That sacred sense of adventure, of seeking God with honesty and hope, continues to shape who I am today.