About Kris

 

The Rev. Dr. Kristopher D. Schondelmeyer is passionately driven by a bold and hopeful vision for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.): that it might become a truly safe and sacred space for all people— a church that not only proclaims justice but practices it, that not only preaches love but embodies it. Drawing inspiration from Revelation 22, he believes the Church is called to be like the tree of life, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations. His vision for the PC(USA) is rooted in a deep hope for a future where the church is courageous in its witness, compassionate in its leadership, and bold in dismantling systems of harm within and beyond its walls.

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​​This vision has shaped Dr. Schondelmeyer’s academic and vocational journey. He holds a Doctorate in Contextual Leadership with a concentration in Religion and Public Policy from Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University, where his dissertation focused on developing a compassion-based framework for moderating civil discourse—equipping churches to engage the public square with moral clarity and prophetic imagination.

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​​He earned his Bachelors in Speech Communication and Political Science from the University of Central Missouri and his M.Div. from Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis. He has pursued further graduate studies in Executive Leadership (McCormick Theological Seminary), Engaged Compassion (Claremont School of Theology), and Public Management (University of Missouri’s Truman School of Public Affairs). These areas of study reflect his belief that theological leadership must be contextually grounded, compassion-based, and ethically engaged.

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​​​Currently serving as Pastor and Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church of Davenport, Iowa, Dr. Schondelmeyer lives out this vision through preaching, strategic leadership, and relational ministry. He previously served in both ordained and non-ordained positions in congregations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and Missouri. ​​A survivor of clergy sexual abuse in the PC(USA) which occurred in his youth, Dr. Schondelmeyer has turned his pain into purpose—recently serving on the General Assembly’s Survivors of Sexual Misconduct Task Force, where he helped lead successful efforts to reform national polity and create a more just and accountable church.

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​​Dr. Schondelmeyer loves the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) with all his heart. His paternal grandparents’ families helped found Presbyterian churches in central Missouri, where he grew up, and his grandparents faithfully served as an elder and deacon in his home congregation. His great-uncle was a Presbyterian minister, and his family’s ties to the Reformed tradition reach back to Germany and Scotland. His grandmother’s maiden name was Karrick, with ancestral roots tracing to Marjorie de Carrick, mother of Scottish King Robert the Bruce. Among his ancestors were Scottish ministers and martyred Covenanters who gave their lives for the Presbyterian faith. Presbyterianism is truly in his blood, and he has joyfully committed his life to serving God through the PC(USA).

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He is the proud husband of Abby, an M.Div. graduate of the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, and the perpetually outnumbered father of four energetic children: Alexander (9), Karrick (7), Isaac (4), and Lincoln (3). Together, their family embodies a shared call to a ministry of healing, hope, and holy chaos.

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​​Fun Fact: Dr. Schondelmeyer completed a course in stand-up comedy at the Manhattan Comedy School in New York City in the summer of 2022. He had his stand-up comedy debut during a new talent event at New York’s famous Gotham Comedy Club in August of 2022 to a sold-out crowd. He enjoys opportunities to bring humor into his ministry, helping to make church engaging and fun for all.