Designated Interim Minister
- Our Designated Interim Pastor, Dustin Adkins, is a Tennessee native who’s lived in Denver for half his life. He comes to Salem from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and has ministered to churches in Nashville, TN, Boulder, CO, and Denver. He has served churches – at various times –as Facilities Director, Worship Leader, Youth Minister, Young AdultMinister, Associate Minister, and Senior Minister. Dustin’s husband, Justin, is a Colorado native, and they have three cats together: Alani, Sugar, and Bear. He is excited about all the possibilities at Salem and looks forward to the journey with us!
Discernment Minister
- Rev. Joanne Buchanan is delighted to be in ministry with Salem UCC since April 2022. She has been working with local churches in the RMCUCC for the past 10 years, offering a process of spiritual discernment to congregations in transition of various kinds. She is called to the ministry of revitalizing the church's seeking of and reliance upon the Holy Spirit for wisdom, guidance, and direction within the day-to-day operations of ministry and mission, including the details of the business aspect of “being church.” Joanne is especially drawn to the changing landscape of her work with discernment in the Spirit—each congregation has its own “DNA”, personality, needs, joys, and gifts for ministry, and each can approach a discernment process in the way that works best for them. It has been particularly illuminating to witness the rich fruit, often surprising, that has come forth in congregations working a spiritual discernment process with dedication and commitment. Joanne's background includes 30 years in nursing and 30 years in ministry, including parish, prison, teaching, retreat, hospice, and spiritual direction ministries.
Administrative Assistant
Lisa Thomas
Musical Director
Isabella Ashton
Financial Assistant
Ani Martinez