I grew up ELCA. I attended the same church, baptism through marriage. Five generations of family at the same small church all at the same time! Growing up I was active in Sunday school all the way through youth group. My church was my foundation as a youth. My mom played a huge part in this. My siblings and I never missed a Sunday: even if we stayed the night at a friend’s house, my mom would come pick us up and bring us to church Sunday morning! I grew up watching my grandparents and great grandparents actively serving in numerous roles in our church from choir to serving coffee to leading Bible studies to sitting on the church council. I would also have to say my pastor during my high school years was one of the most influential men in my Christian life. He was loving and supportive and was an active leader during my high school years. Unfortunately, some devastating life struggles caused some staff changes in our small church while I was away at college. This meant our pastor and youth leader both left and I knew I needed to do something. I knew what an important part youth group played in my life, and I wanted to make sure that the current youth did not miss out! At 19 years old, I offered to be the volunteer youth leader until the church could figure out the next steps and they took me up on my offer. Then, a couple months into serving, they asked if I would like to be on staff part time and made me officially part of the church team. I was honored and could not have been happier. I knew the important roles my pastor and youth leader played in my life, and I knew this is what I needed and wanted to do. Watching the adults who surrounded me growing up had a significant impact on my decision to work in ministry as well.
My husband and I decided in 2012 that the ELCA no longer fit our beliefs and we needed something deeper and stronger. We visited Lakeshore Lutheran Fellowship [Spring Lake] and, just after a few weeks of worship, Pastor Chris had a conversation with me, and at that time I was ready to jump back into ministry. I volunteered here for my first two years and officially joined as a staff member in 2017 and haven’t looked back since!
Serving
My past and current roles look pretty similar. My title here at Lakeshore is Director of Family and Student Ministries. You can fit a lot under that umbrella, anything from staffing nursery to meeting with families in their homes during challenging times. I think the way I do ministry has changed, and my focus, as I grow in this role, is more about the relationship with my families than sitting in a classroom. Pastor Chris has played a key role for me since being here. I am not synodically trained, and I did not grow up LCMS; however, my love for God, my love for serving His children, my years as an active youth in my church and willingness to learn has led me down a path that I feel has blessed me beyond words. Pastor Chris met with me, gave me books to read, answered questions, prayed with me, and has been a crucial part of my “success” in my role. He teaches with love and openness and has taken over that role in my life as one of the most influential people in my personal walk with the Lord and my role here at Lakeshore. I have learned so much working with him and owe him so much in return!
District Support
When I think about how the Michigan District has poured into my life and ministry, I think of the people. I am talking about anyone who works in the District office down to my sister churches. I feel constant love and support here in Michigan! If I had to narrow it down to one experience, I would have to say it would be at the Maumee Bay Youth Workers Conference. This was years ago, before Covid. It was my first conference since taking the ministry role here at Lakeshore and I had no clue what to expect. I just remember walking into the conference center and being flooded with support. I learned tons in those 3 days and met other DCE’s that I still connect with today. The Michigan District cares about their church workers, and it shows!
The Michigan District has also given me helpful resources in my life and role here at Lakeshore. I was invited by Luke Esselman to my very first Cluster meeting back in 2017. I was hooked. Everyone was so welcoming and open with communication, and the book studies, Bible studies, and sharing life with each other has been extremely helpful. I remember walking into my first Cluster meeting and just feeling extreme peace and comfort. I have learned so much from this group and look forward every month to our meetings. The book and Bible studies we do are wonderful, and the support is incredible. I leave every meeting feeling like I have been poured into!
Greatest Need
My greatest need as I continue to serve the Lord in my ministry would be time. Time with my children, youth, and families. Sports and extra curriculars take up so much time for my families that I struggle getting to see them more than a couple times a month. I know all churches are dealing with the same thing. The only answer I have is to love them and meet them where they are at, literally. My youth know where to find me—in the bleachers, stadiums, school auditoriums, and sports fields. I love attending their games, choir concerts, plays, swim meets, etc. every week to make sure I see them, and sometimes that is just the answer!
Favorite Bible Verse
It would be Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I chose this verse because I can go to it when I feel like I am struggling or feeling defeated. With today’s culture changing so quickly, sometimes it is not easy to keep up! Every morning, I start out my day reciting this verse in my head before I start my devotions. It helps to remind myself who really is in charge … Jesus!
Advice to Those Considering Church Work
My advice to anyone considering a call into ministry is to slow down and listen. It is extremely easy to get caught up in excitement or get weighed down by stress, but remember to be still, which with my personality is sometimes easier said than done. When you are leading and serving God’s people, it is important to remember why you are doing this and Who you are serving! Jesus does not ask us to give Him anything other than what we have. He takes us as we are and ,as we abide in Him, He multiplies it so we are enough and have enough. Also, read your Bible, anchor your identity in Christ, and be an image bearer of the One True King!
Photo courtesy of Shannon Johnson. Collage photos by Elisa Schulz/Michigan District, LCMS.
