Laura Batten-Carbaugh

Truth-teller. Transformational Leader. Passionate advocate.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Gal. 5:25

Welcome, friend. I am so glad you're here.

Let me introduce myself:

My name is Laura Batten-Carbaugh (she/her). I am married to an amazing woman, raising four kids in south central Pennsylvania. I’ve been an ordained Pastor in the PC(USA) for almost 20 years. I am honored to serve as Pastor at Colesville Presbyterian Church in Silver Spring, MD, — enthusiastically leading a dynamic, intentionally diverse church, creating community where everyone is welcome, questions and doubts are embraced, and where radical hospitality and love are practiced.

Throughout my life, I have led churches big and small and have loved being able to empower those around me for leadership and service. It is my joy and delight to see how the Holy Spirit transforms and heals hearts and lives as we walk through life together.

Creating community, cultivating faith, and encouraging the spiritual life of all people is at the center of my purpose in the world.

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What I am learning

I learned many years ago that part of life is about learning to hold joy and sorrow together. There is a story there but that is for another day.

As an enneagram 8 wing 7, I am learning that vulnerability is courage and leads to freedom…. It transforms people and systems from the inside out and is a gift to be nurtured and cultivated in ourselves first. Leading from the core of who we are, expressing both light and shadow sides of our strengths, empowers others to explore and do the same. Bringing openness and honesty, transparency and truth, to relationships and systems takes bravery and patience. And listening is at the heart of it all: listening to ourselves and our bodies, listening to others, listening to what is being said and what is not being said, learning to sift through it all, accepting what is real and right and healthy, leading to life, and rejecting all that would stifle and lead to death.

I know that sounds kind of dramatic. But this is what I am learning.

My dream…

I have a soft spot in my heart for those whose faith suddenly looks different than they thought it would and who therefore might feel untethered… because I’ve been there myself. I love those who are wandering and wondering and consider it my great honor to walk alongside as we seek and struggle, doubt and question, live and love together. I envision creating community where all are welcome, where all have a place at the table.

I also look forward to growing in relationship with my wife, Ashley Batten-Carbaugh, taking steps of faith together, led by the Holy Spirit. I dream of and work towards the day where all people know their worth, know the love of God, and live in the light of God’s love and justice.