Rev. Heidi Bolt, Ministry Relations Officer for the Presbyterian Foundation, has earned her Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree from Claremont School of Theology, completing a doctoral project that explores the intersection of neuroscience, Christian ministry and worship design.

Her project, titled Reformed Worship Design Incorporating Positive Neuroplasticity, examines how an understanding of the brain’s capacity to change and adapt can inform the ways congregations design and experience worship.

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to form and reorganize neural connections in response to learning and experience. Bolt’s work brings this scientific understanding into conversation with Reformed theology and Christian worship, exploring how worship practices can contribute to spiritual formation and growth.

The achievement marks another milestone in a ministry career that has taken Bolt across the United States and around the world, combining pastoral leadership, fundraising, international service and theological education.

A native of Philomath, Oregon, Bolt joined the Presbyterian Foundation in 2026 as a Ministry Relations Officer serving the seven-state Northwest Region. Her background includes fundraising work, service in the Peace Corps in Kazakhstan and congregational ministry.

Before joining the Foundation, Bolt served as co-pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Red Wing, Minnesota, alongside her husband, the Rev. Greg Bolt. Her ministry experience also includes teaching transitional ministry at Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center, helping church leaders navigate periods of change and discern new directions for their congregations.

Bolt earned her Master of Divinity degree from Union Presbyterian Seminary. Her doctoral studies at Claremont School of Theology build on her experience helping congregations navigate transitions, strengthen their ministries and explore new approaches to faithful leadership.

As a Ministry Relations Officer, Bolt works with congregations and ministries to strengthen stewardship, encourage generosity and connect financial resources with mission. Ministry Relations Officers serve as partners and resources for Presbyterian congregations, helping them navigate changing circumstances while planning for the future.

Bolt’s doctoral work reflects her interest in bringing traditional practices of faith into conversation with emerging insights from other disciplines. By examining worship through the lens of neuroscience, her research offers a perspective on how congregations might approach worship planning with greater attention to learning, experience and spiritual growth.

Her accomplishment also underscores the value of continuing theological education for those serving the church, bringing new insights and perspectives to the work of supporting congregations and their ministries.