Elisabeth Hayes

Pastor for Parish Life and Mission

Describe your primary responsibilities at Third: As the Pastor for Parish Life and Mission, I lead the strategic direction and oversight of our Parish Life ministry and provide pastoral oversight for Mission at Third.

What are your favorite books? I read a lot of books, and it’s hard to pick a favorite! The books that I re-read the most are The Chronicles of Narnia, which are like comfort food, A Wrinkle in Time, which I like to read before a new adventure, and ¡Gracias! by Henri Nouwen, which has shaped me profoundly at particular points in my life.

What is your favorite thing about Richmond? My favorite thing about Richmond is the James River. I love to be outside and especially near the water: I’m most happy when I’m hiking, biking, swimming, tubing, kayaking, or even just driving across the bridge and seeing the light on the river, especially when friends and family are there to enjoy it with me.

Tell us about your family: My husband, Will, is an ICU nurse at VCU, and we live in the Bellevue neighborhood. We have family here in Richmond as well as in Birmingham, Alabama, which is my hometown.

Why are you excited to be a part of Third Church? Both Parish Life and Mission are core to Third’s determination to follow Jesus beyond the walls of the church and out into the world He loves. I’m excited to bring these two missional arms together under the same leadership–a holistic and integrated discipleship model which works towards ‘the renewal of all things,’ everywhere.