Embracing the Call
By Stacey Burke, NEPS Communications & Growing Young Coordinator
On Tuesday, November 12, synod staff expressed gratitude towards the supply ministers who regularly serve and are scheduled through the synod. The overwhelming feeling of fellowship and community allowed the ministers to share their joys and celebrations of supply preaching.
“It’s important to keep uplifting the call,” said Pastor Susan Fox. “I enjoy and appreciate reading the Word and lessons, interpreting them for today and everyday life,” she continued.
As many heads nodded in agreement, you could see and feel how each minister connected with her statement. They felt their call to ministry had no end, and supply preaching gave them the opportunity to embrace and continue that call.
“I am overjoyed by the resilience of the congregations when I visit and hear about their ministries and outreach efforts,” said Pastor Burlington Latshaw, III.
Supply ministers are scheduled through the synod by Jan Gough, Supply Coordinator, for congregations in pastoral transition. These supply ministers have witnessed firsthand how hardworking and passionate our synod’s congregations are, even in times of uncertainty. Pastor David Werley expressed how he loves “how the Lord surprises” him and “brings good people into his life at the right time and in the right place.”
To say we are grateful for supply ministers is an understatement. Their work and calling to this area of ministry is a testament to taking Jesus’ message seriously, showing how they love like Jesus, heal like Jesus, and engage like Jesus. “We get to preach the gospel all over the place and have fun with it,” says Pastor Robert Reier. Our gratitude extends beyond staff; congregations across the synod have repeatedly expressed their thankfulness for supply ministers, whether in person or through manuscript sermons, which are written by a few ministers willing to share their Good News.
If you feel called to support congregations in transition in this way, please contact supply@nepsynod.org or visit godslove.org/supply to learn more about the process. Not available on a Sunday morning? Additional ways ministers can help include providing sermons through manuscript writing or recording a video of the minister presenting it.
