Editor's note: The Association of Presbyterian Church Educators annual event is Jan. 27-30, 2010, in Nashville, TN.

Jann Treadwell’s spiritual journey is very different from most educators. Her family was involved in another denomination, but she has no recollection of church school. She never attended a vacation Bible school, and shyness kept her away from the youth group.

The Dallas, TX, native feels such limitations are nothing for the God who called her into educational ministry, and views herself as a poster child for late bloomers.

After graduation from the University of Texas, she married a fourth generation Presbyterian. She and John joined Ridgeview Presbyterian in Dallas following his five years in the Navy. As a young stay-at-home-mom, she began to learn bible stories by teaching fifth and sixth grade church school followed by years of volunteering in other areas of education. At the suggestion of a pastor and with the blessing of John and their sons, she entered Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University at age 41. Treadwell earned a Master of Religious Education degree in 1988.

Her home church called her to serve as its director of Christian education for all ages and she soon completed the certification process. Early on she began to discover her love and passion for youth ministry which has grown over twenty-two years, the last 16 at NorthPark Presbyterian Church in Dallas. She serves there as educator for youth and adults. Mission trips, equipping youth sponsors for their important role, and empowering youth for leadership in the church continue to energize her.

Ten years ago, John sold his business and began a second career as a rancher, working with their younger son on two farms in west Texas. He spends part of every week there, getting to see Brian, Ginger and their two grandchildren much more often than she. Older son John C. Treadwell, an artist and the owner of Frogville Records, lives in Santa Fe, NM, with his wife Yoko.

Jann has served the larger church through various committees in Grace Presbytery, on the Educator Certification Council, as a certification advisor, a committee moderator at the 211th General Assembly (GA), and the overture advocate for Adolescent Human Development Resources at the last GA. She has submitted various articles to Presbyterian publications as well.

All of these opportunities are part of the incredible journey God has orchestrated. The nurture of colleagues in ministry, the support of family and friends, and the inspiration from the youth and sponsors with whom she works, have resulted in a feeling of gratitude to God so enormous at times she can hardly contain it.

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