Working with the Charlotte Presbytery, the Rev. Damiko Faulkner ’08 is leading Ben Salem Presbyterian Church to bridge the Word and the world. Born and raised in Charlotte, N.C., Damiko earned two degrees in communication before enrolling at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

My experience at PTS thoroughly prepared me for ministry as a result of the diverse perspectives and opportunities for practical ministry,” he says. “I am ever appreciative for the personal time taken by my professors along the way to share with me their expertise and advice regarding ministry.”

Following graduation, Damiko returned to his home state with his wife, Niché. For the past two years he has served Ben Salem Presbyterian Church. “At Ben Salem, we believe in the ministry of presence and the ministry of touch; therefore, we intentionally seek opportunities outside the church,” Damiko says.

In their efforts to reach the community, the church has established formal partnerships with their neighboring high school’s Community in Schools program, the local library, and the North Carolina Tech Preparatory Christian Academy. Through these partnerships Ben Salem has developed a congregational campus-based ministry that hosts 120 young men annually. The church works with others to provide food, Christian education, and a weekly worship service for North Carolina Tech. Ben Salem has recently joined with another high school to assist in their efforts to decrease the dropout rate and increase parental involvement.

“As I continue to labor in ministry, I have found it beneficial not only to work from the particular church, but also, and equally importantly, to work for the Church universal,” says Damiko. For this reason he works diligently on the Committee on Ministry to improve working relations between churches and pastors and continues learning effective ways for the body of Christ to make an impact on the world.