Deacon Rachel Sosebee

Deacon Rachel Sosebee
Associate with the Bishop for Transitions

Deacon Rachel has 20+ years of ministry experience, specializing in equipping and coaching people in gifts discovery and deployment. She is Associate with the Bishop for Transitions and uses that experience and passion to accompany congregations and leaders as they discern their next ministry adventure. She is also part of the discernment and formation team for the Lay Ministry Program (Synod Authorized Ministry, SAMs). Deacon Rachel also works with the Legacy team, as congregations plan their legacy when it is time to close. 

Deacon Rachel and family moved to Upstate New York in late 2020 and enjoys all the seasons, especially the cooler summers. She previously lived in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina and grew up in Ohio and Michigan. (Go Bucks!) 

She is a graduate of Capital University and Trinity Seminary with a specialization in Church Administration and Christian Education. Deacon Rachel was ordained in 2025 but served in a variety of settings and denominations before returning home to the ELCA. 

In whatever way she serves —whether at home, in her community, with a congregation, or on a special team —she enjoys walking with people as they discover their gifts and calling from God, and encouraging them as they grow in their faith. 

“For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.” Ephesians 2:10

Contact: mobility@upstatenysynod.org