OUR TEAM
Rev. Dr. Susan Presley
Rev. Sarah E.A. Dierker
Rev. Sarah E.A. Dierker
REV. DR. SUSAN PRESLEY
AUTHOR, LEAD RESEARCHER
The Rev. Dr. Susan Presley serves as pastor and head of staff at a Presbyterian Church (USA) congregation in Central Missouri. Her Bachelor of Arts is in Communication (journalism focus) from Truman State University in 2010, and her Master of Divinity (2014) and Doctor of Ministry (with distinction, 2021) are from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She uses her expertise to help churches and other entities understand issues surrounding mass shootings and works with congregations to put preventative practices into place.
Susan has studied mass shootings since 2014 and her doctoratal work specifically researched church-related violence. She has created an extensive statistical database of mass shootings in the United States dating from 1940 to present, with research on over 5,000 incidents. Susan is keenly aware of the concern, responsibility, and potential role of churches, educational institutions, and other entities regarding the mitigation of potential violence.
Rev. Sarah E.A. Dierker
Rev. Sarah E.A. Dierker
Rev. Sarah E.A. Dierker
REV. SARAH E.A. DIERKER
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
The Rev. Sarah Dierker is an ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church and chaplain at a St. Louis-area hospital. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religion from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri in 2011, and her Master of Divinity from Eden Theological seminary in St. Louis, Missouri in 2016.
Sarah believes that the best way to overcome fear is through acquiring knowledge and understanding. Fear is a common theme in the world today that easily finds its way into our churches. Congregations want to be open and welcoming to receive new members, but they are also afraid and want to protect those within from outside danger. Those dangers are real, and they are terrifying. Sarah has found that preparation and information can help to allay that fear, which is why this work is so essential.