Rev. Bryan J. Penman
The Rev. Bryan J. Penman earned his Master of Divinity with a concentration in Metro Urban Studies from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia (now United Lutheran Seminary) in 2012. He was called to serve as Pastor of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Conshohocken, PA, in 2013, where he faithfully ministered until his election as Bishop of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod in 2024.
In addition to his parish work, Bishop Penman joined the synod staff in 2022 as a Director of Evangelical Mission, focusing on congregational vitality. He chaired the synod’s Vitality Team, playing a crucial role in developing and sustaining vital ministries throughout the synod.
Originally from Virginia, Bishop Penman grew up as a lifelong Lutheran at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Stafford, VA. His formative years in the Virginia Synod’s youth ministry programs inspired him to attend Lenoir-Rhyne University, an ELCA institution in Hickory, NC, where he graduated with a degree in English and Religious Studies in 2004.
Before discerning a call to ministry, Bishop Penman worked with his mother in real estate, where they built an award-winning business. Bishop Penman currently resides in Conshohocken, PA, with his devoted husband, Matt, and their adopted son.
Read more about Bishop Penman here: “Keep the focus on the Lutheran witness” | Living Lutheran
Scheduling A Visit With The Bishop
The bishop officiates at ordinations of rostered leaders and at some installation services. He also regularly visits congregations for special events. To invite the bishop to visit your congregation, contact Yvonne Curtis at 267.323.3747 or via email as far in advance as possible, as the bishop is often scheduled for congregation, Synod and churchwide events as much as a year in advance.
Contact
Yvonne Curtis, Director of Operations
267.323.3747
ycurtis@sepa.org
Visiting the Synod Office
You are invited and welcome to visit the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod Office. Our office is located on the third floor of the Brossman Center on the campus of United Lutheran Seminary's Philadelphia Campus at 7241 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119. The building is handicap accessible.
Once you arrive on the third floor, look for signs directing you to our offices. If you have taken the stairs, exit on the third floor and turn to the right; the first left will take you to the Synod offices. If you have taken the elevator, exit the elevator to the left and the first left will take you to our offices.
It is recommended that you make an appointment to visit the Synod Office as some of our staff members work remotely and some have offsite appointments. You may make an appointment by contacting Mrs. Yvonne Curtis, Director of Operations.
Contact
Yvonne Curtis, Director of Operations
267.323.3747
ycurtis@sepa.org