Dr. Franzen's Professional Career
The Rev. Dr. Bryan J. Franzen serves as pastor of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in San Jose, a faith community that has been in San Jose for over 134 years and 99 years at their current location in the heart of The Alameda.
Bryan is a proven community leader who has served congregations in Illinois, California, North Carolina, Iowa, and New Jersey. Before accepting the call to Westminster Bryan completed his Doctorate which focused on changing congregation discourse through mutual storytelling and respect. Bryan’s passion for social justice and inclusion has been seen throughout his ministry and has included advocating for and organizing in the LGBT community, working for special-needs children, and working with both mentally and physically handicapped people of all ages for accessibility and understanding. Since coming to San Jose Bryan has made a concerted effort to be engaged in the community working with the Shasta Hanchet Neighborhood Association, The Alameda Business Association, and is the Rose, White and Blue parade, a celebration that highlights the amazing community of San Jose. Bryan has also been a leader in Social Justice areas through his work with PACT, serving on the Santa Clara County Human Rights Commission, and the San Jose Police Departments LGBTQ committee. Denominational and Para-ChurchGA Commissioner
226th General Assembly of the PCUSA 222nd General Assembly of the PCUSA 221st General Assembly of the PCUSA Presbytery of San Jose Polity and Government Committee Chair 2023 -present Participant International Partners For Peace 2015 Random Other StuffVolunteer masters swim coach at the YMCA 2021-2024
SJ Police Chiefs LGBTQ Committee 2021 - 2025 |
Proffessional Positions and CallsPastor/Head of Staff
Westminster Presbyterian Church, San Jose, CA 2012 - Present Pastor/Head of Staff First Presbyterian Church, Hightstown, NJ 2005-2011 Pastor/Head of Staff First Presbyterian Church, Council Bluffs, IA 2001-2005 Student Minister Plymouth/Swan Quarter Yoked Parish, NC 2000-2001 Chinese Presbyterian Church in Oakland, CA 1999 Chaplaincy Student Chaplain, Marin General Hospital, CA 1999-2000 Chaplain to the College Staff, Ghost Ranch, NM Summer 1998 Youth Director Monticello Presbyterian Church, Monticello, IL 1994-1997 Missionary Sissiton South Dakota 1993 Community LeadershipHuman Rights Commission for Santa Clara County, CA
Commissioner 2018 - present Chairperson 2020-2022 and 2024 - Present Vice Chair 2022-2023 Social Justice Committee Chair 2023-2024 Silicon Valley Faith Collaborative Founding Member 2020 - present People Acting in Community Together (P.A.C.T.) Clergy Leader 2012 - present Rose, White and Blue Parade in San Jose, CA President 2017- 2019 Board member 2012-2022 |
DR. FRANZEN'S ACADEMIC HISTORYDoctor of Ministry
Gospel and Culture Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA 2008-2011 Bryan's project explored the transformational nature of storytelling within congregations. Master of Divinity
Emphasis in World Christianity San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo, CA, 1997-2000 Bryan's thesis explored how the local church can be the embodiment of mission. Bachelor of Arts
World Religions Millikin University in Decatur, IL 1993-1997 |
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