Introducing British
British Hyrams hails from Chicago, Illinois and its surrounding suburbs. She is a graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and holds two Master’s Degrees from Union Presbyterian Seminary- a Master of Divinity (M. Div.) and a Master of Arts in Christian Education (M.A.C.E.).
In her early career, British started as a consultant with Andersen Consulting and later as an IT project manager for various healthcare organizations. After deciding to leave corporate to raise her three children with her husband, she accepted a position as an adjunct math instructor at a local college and volunteered with various organizations. Recently, she returned to teaching as an online World Religions instructor for Johnson C. Smith University.
British has served at Central Steele Creek Presbyterian church in Charlotte, NC for five years – as the Director of Christian Ministries, Associate Pastor, and for a few months as acting Senior Pastor. British serves in the wider denomination as a part of the Presbytery of Charlotte COM committee, Association of Presbyterian Church Educators (APCE) Advocate team member, and board member for the William Black Lodge.
British is a cancer survivor with a zest for new experiences and a passion for lifelong learning. She seeks opportunities to build bridges with people of varying perspectives as an integral part of her Christian service and witness.
British is married to her college sweetheart Kevin. Jamal, Akilah, and Aman are their young adult children who continue to bring them blessings upon blessings.
Getting to know British
On coming to Trinity as our Temporary Associate Pastor
I am excited to experience what God is doing at Trinity and discover where I can contribute with the gifts God has given me. I look forward to getting to know people at Trinity and learning from them.
On what you enjoy most about being a pastor
As a pastor, it is an honor to walk with others in times of celebration and times of hardship, in times of clarity and times of confusion, in times of hope and times of despair; this is sacred space that I have the privilege of sharing with others. Also, I love the variety and flexibility of pastoral work. At different times I have the opportunity to engage deeply in some ministry areas and lightly in others.
What biblical theme most informs your faith and work in the church?
Grace, which can be defined as God’s goodwill, mercy, and favor reaching out to redeem humanity, informs my faith journey. On my best day I am not worthy of God’s grace, and I surely don’t want to be judged by my worst day! Therefore, I endeavor to see every human being as objects of God’s grace and to treat them with love and respect.
The last 2-3 books you’ve read
Leading from the 2nd Chair by Mike Bonem and Roger Patterson,
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah,
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is up next!
Your favorite TV shows/movies
When I take the time, my favorite TV Shows to watch are Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Forensic Files, and other murder mysteries. I love many kinds of movies: Drama, Action, Sports, Romance, and Comedy. Therefore, I really can’t choose just one!
On what you like to do for fun!
I don’t get to do these things as often as I would like but I enjoy them when I do: I love to travel (especially internationally), bowling, skiing and snow-tubing, hiking, and trying different ethnic cuisines. I have the most fun when I’m with my entire family (which is growing more difficult with busy adult children)!
