Rev. Ruth Clendenin
Pastor & Head of Staff
Reverend Ruth E. Clendenin has served four different churches as Associate Pastor and Solo Pastor in Illinois, Texas, and currently South Dakota. She has also served as a presbytery stated clerk and had leadership in the national Association of Stated Clerks, coordinating an annual meeting event. She received her Master of Divinity from Union Presbyterian Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education (Union-PSCE) in 2004. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in French and has education training for grades K-12. With the heart of a teacher, Ruth encourages open and honest conversation about the complexities of life and faith. In addition, she values equipping and training others so they can take an active role in leading ministry. She has been a lifelong Presbyterian and credits the Christ Presbyterian Church family for the bedrock foundation of her faith. As a child of this congregation, Ruth participated in programs for children, youth, and music as she grew up and throughout her life. She is the daughter of longtime members Judy and (the late) Art Clendenin.
Ruth is married to Todd Mark, whom she met in 2018.