Meet Tanya
Rev. Dr. Tanya Marie Eustace Campen is an ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church and currently serves as the Director of Leadership Development and Faith Formation for the Rio Texas Conference. Dr. Campen equips, supports, and connects clergy and laity to lead with courage, creativity, and compassion in service of our shared mission. In this role, she provides strategic leadership for faith formation and leadership development across the conference, strengthening systems that identify, equip, and sustain leaders at every stage of ministry. Her work supports discipleship pathways, develops practical resources, and enhances onboarding and ongoing formation for clergy and lay leaders. She also leads initiatives in youth, young adult, and campus ministries, coordinates safe ministry efforts, and fosters collaboration that strengthens learning, accountability, and connection across the conference.
With over 25 years of experience in Christian education and congregational ministry, Tanya has served in various capacities, including as a Christian educator, youth director, and minister to children and families in local churches. She previously served as the Director of Children and Intergenerational Ministries at Discipleship Ministries and Director of Intergenerational Ministries at Rio Texas Annual Conference. Her academic journey includes a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Religion from Austin College, a Master of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Christian Education and Congregational Studies from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, where her research focused on children's spirituality.
Tanya's ministry is deeply rooted in the belief that God is actively present in the lives of all people. She is committed to creating safe and supportive environments where individuals of all ages can explore and deepen their faith. Through active listening and a coaching approach, she helps ministry leaders name challenges, discover opportunities, and develop practical strategies that fit their unique context. Her work includes leading initiatives like Connect, Safe Ministries, Sacred Roots, Making Meaning Together, and the Faith Formation Leadership Academy, all designed to strengthen life long faith formation and foster transformation in congregational and community life. Her efforts focus on developing leaders, building capacity, increasing engagement, and strengthening communities of faith.
An accomplished author and speaker, Tanya regularly writes and teaches on topics related to children's spirituality, intergenerational ministry, and faith formation. Her recent book, Holy Work with Children: Making Meaning Together, invites ministry leaders, parents, and caregivers to recognize and support the theological insights of children as they grow in faith.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Tanya cherishes time with her husband, Ryan, their two children—affectionately known as "Thumper" and "Flicker," and their energetic and joy filled puppy, Jack Malachi. She also finds spiritual renewal through outdoor activities like running, hiking, cycling, and yoga, and has completed three marathons and a 150-mile Bike MS ride.
Tanya's ministry continues to inspire and equip leaders to embrace intergenerational discipleship, fostering communities where faith is formed and transformed across all ages.
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