National City Christian Church Foundation, while a ministry and partner to National City Christian Church, also holds a special role in the wider Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada as Alexander Campbell charged in 1851, that the denomination should “have the largest meeting house in Washington City and there…stand up in the presence of kings and Earth’s nobility and proclaim the unknown Gospel.” In our new series “Board Member Spotlight” we are thrilled to introduce the church to the board members and leaders that hold the work of the church with prayerful leadership.
This month, we are overjoyed to introduce Rev. Victoria ‘Tori’ Wick, who joined the National City Christian Church Foundation staff in April as the Executive Minister, charged with the spiritual and executive leadership of the Foundation in collaboration with the board and Senior Minister and President, Rev. Stephanie Kendell.
Tori is ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and comes to us most recently from her role as the administrator of St. Mark’s Lutheran, a historic church in Baltimore.
Originally from Denver, CO, Tori received her degree in philosophy from St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland. She began her career working in campus sexual violence prevention where she discerned a call to ministry. Tori received her Master of Divinity from the University of Chicago Divinity School. Tori enjoys writing prayers and essays on faith, ministry, and inclusion. Her work has been published in The Christian Century, Chalice Press, and Fidelia, an online magazine for clergywomen. Tori brings with her a unique depth of experience at the intersection of gender and sexuality based justice work, chaplaincy, and administrative background. A combination of policy, practice and pastoral care that make her the perfect fit for the Executive Minister of the Foundation.
As part of our ongoing Board Member Spotlight series we asked Tori a few questions to get to know her:
What are you reading or listening to right now?
Starting a new job means I haven’t had much reading time lately, but I got engaged last month! So lately I’ve been listening to playlists of “devastatingly beautiful wedding processionals.” I’d love to hear your recommendations!
What has brought you hope in the last year?
It’s been a challenging year, both personally and globally, but I’ve found my greatest hope in remembering that none of the struggles I’m facing are new. Ancestors and elders have journeyed these paths before me and found their way through.
I’ve also discovered hope in small, tangible projects. In the last year I’ve returned to my childhood love of sewing, and there’s something both humbling and hopeful about putting steady, patient effort toward creating something you can hold.
What do you find important about the work of the Foundation?
The Foundation exists to realize Alexander Campbell’s dream of the ‘largest meeting house’ in the city, and that vision feels more vital than ever. In a world where few places welcome all without charging admission, we’re stewarding something precious: a space for people to gather, find hope, and build sacred community in the heart of our nation’s capital. Our role is to adapt this historic calling to meet today’s needs.
We hope that you will extend a warm welcome to Tori as she continues her work on the Foundation board and in her role as the Executive Minister at National City Christian Church Foundation.