Staff & Leadership
church staff and leadership
Our congregational leadership is composed of both dedicated staff members and committed lay leaders. One of the key distinguishing features of the Presbyterian Church is our belief that all members serve as ministers, with clergy and lay leaders holding equal status and value within the church community. To discover more about the individuals who guide our congregation and how our church governance operates, please read the information provided below!
David Paulik, PhD, MAM, Commissioned Pastor
David serves as commissioned pastor of Kinsman Presbyterian Church. He is currently pursuing ordination in the PCUSA as a Minister of Word and Sacrament. David is trained as an educational psychologist and teaches psychology at several area institutions. He has a PhD in developmental and learning science from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Arts in Ministry from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. David is the proud owner of the best dog, Milo!
David’s ministry is guided by the values instilled by Jesus: to pursue hope, peace, love, joy, and justice. David believes that when the church focuses on making disciples, the life of the church is not only enriched, but floruishes.
David can be contacted through the church office with questions or concerns.
Austin Blair, Director of Music
Austin Blair currently serves as the Director of Choirs and Theatre at Conneaut Area City Schools and has since 2021. Before that, he taught Choir, Band, and General Music in the Ashtabula Area City School District for four years. Mr. Blair holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and Performance from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Music in Music Education from Kent State University.
Mr. Blair has taught voice at Arlene's Broadway on Buffalo in Ashtabula County, where he has also directed and music directed more than a dozen productions. He has additionally taught voice at the Ashtabula Arts Center, working with numerous students while also music directing and performing. Many of his students have gone on to be accepted to collegiate music programs and perform with semi-professional theatres and ensembles across Northeast Ohio and Northwest Pennsylvania.
Beyond the classroom and stage, Mr. Blair has served as a Board Member of the Ashtabula County Choral Music Society since 2022, helping organize the Chorale’s performance at Carnegie Hall in the Spring of 2024. In addition, he has also served as the music director for Kinsman Presbyterian Church in Kinsman, OH since 2020. As a performer, he has sung with the Erie Philharmonic Chorus and Chamber Choir and remains an active member of the National Association for Music Education, the Ohio Music Education Association, and the American Choral Directors Association.
Elected leaders of the church
diaconate
The role of a deacon is to engage in the ministry of care and compassion. This Diaconate is an office of church leadership established in the New Testament.
the session
In the Presbyterian Church, congregational members elect individuals to the office of Ruling Elder. These individuals serve on a board called the Session, which is responsible for oversight of the local congregation. The pastor moderates the Session and is a non-voting member of the body.