The Rev. Ryan D. Birkman
The American Church in Berlin called Pastor Ryan in February 2025. Originally from Minnesota, he is a pastor and theologian with a deep commitment to pastoral care and the renewal of Christian community as an ongoing part of church life. He is passionate about fostering Christian unity, liturgical depth, and intergenerational faith formation, believing that the Gospel calls the Church to be a community of grace, justice, and reconciliation.
Having grown up and been theologically formed in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Pastor Ryan is now an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in The Episcopal Church, which is in full communion with the ELCA. He serves as a resident clergy member in the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe and remains steadfast in his and ACB’s longstanding relationship to the ELCA.
Pastor Ryan holds a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology in Systematic Theology & Ethics from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He also earned a Master of Arts in Old-Catholic and Ecumenical Theology from the University of Bonn, focusing on inter-church dialogue and Christian unity. His research has explored Lutheran ethics, economic justice, and the intersection of theology and public life.
Outside of ministry, he enjoys playing with his golden retriever, Otto, going to the gym, hiking, reading, music, and cooking. He is honored to serve as the pastor of the American Church in Berlin and looks forward to walking alongside this community as it lives into God’s call in the heart of the city.
Pastor Ryan can be reached at: