Rev. Sitterley (who goes by “Bill”) is a native of Bethlehem, PA. He received his BA from Columbia University with a major in Religion, and then received his MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary. While there he did college ministry at The Hollywood Presbyterian Church under the oversight of Lloyd Ogilvie – who had previously been his childhood pastor in Bethlehem. After later serving in a church in suburban Cincinnati, he entered a phase of his life that he refers to as “the great parenthesis,” where he was in secular employment for a number of years. (That’s another story!)

Things got interesting when he started working with Habitat for Humanity Asia-Pacific. He did rural development work in Papua New Guinea for a few years, and then relocated to New Zealand to be their first Pacific Regional Director. Later he moved again to Thailand to help expand the work throughout Asia and The Pacific. He traveled extensively in those years, and showed his true commitment to being a global citizen by marrying a Thai woman (Dr. Itchaya “Noi” Sitterley) who was a professor at Payap University in Chiang Mai – a school founded by Presbyterians. Their son Nathan is in the U.S. Army, and will soon be promoted to Major.

After nearly ten years with Habitat he felt called to return to the US, and to parish ministry. For over thirteen years he served as pastor of a church in suburban Baltimore. He then felt attracted to intentional interim ministry, and has served as an Interim Pastor in Maryland, West Virginia, and Florida. He loves the excitement of shepherding congregations through seasons of change.

Bill is committed to lifelong learning, and being on a spiritual path where one is continually being stretched. He is drawn deeply to the realm of contemplative spirituality, which does not imply being detached from the world. In fact, he chairs the leadership team of Misión Peniel in Immokalee, FL. He is open-minded, and supports every effort that would expand the circle of God’s grace and welcome.

Bill looks forward to getting to know us personally, and being a resource to the leadership of this church. He understands that his call is but “for a season,” and hopes to have a vital hand in preparing us to more fully live into our unique sense of ministry. He believes he is an especially good fit for Pine Shores Presbyterian Church.