The church workers of our District are the heartbeat of every ministry. Meet just a few of our Professional Workers…
 Question: When did you know that “ministry” was God’s path for you?Answer: “My junior year of high school during a Sunday evening worship service is when I received the call. I have known since then.”Rev. Andy Toopes Sr. Pastor, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (Bowling Green, KY) |
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Answer: “In the eighth grade. I greatly admired and respected both my parochial school teacher and my pastor and so began the path as a freshman in high school.” Rev. Paul Donner, |
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 Question: What is one of the most rewarding aspects of working in ministry with children, teenagers and young adults?“Answer: Being a DCE is the best job in the world BECAUSE of the teenagers and young adults that I work with. People consider the students and young adults that we work with to be the ‘future of the church.’ I would argue and say that they are the ‘now’ of the church. If the church is to continue and to thrive with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, it thrives through the children, teenagers, and young adults that we work with, build relationships with, and share the beautiful Gospel of Jesus Christ that redeems all people. The best part about Youth and Young Adult ministry is that we are challenged to prepare them for a church that doesn’t yet exist, in a changing culture with an unchangeable Gospel.”A.J. Vega DCE Intern – Immanuel Lutheran Church (Memphis, TN) |
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 Question: What is one of the most rewarding aspects of working in ministry with children, teenagers and young adults?“Answer: “I’m blessed to work with birth through college age, so one of the most rewarding aspects comes when all they have experienced and learned comes to fruition. To know that those ‘small moments’ add up and have a part in making them the person they are today. We may not see it as we spend time with them at each stage, but a thank you note that I received sums it up: ‘Thank you for helping make me the man I am today.’ I taught this young man in pre-K VBS, elementary Sunday School, Confirmation and had him in Youth Group, reassured him in proposing to his future bride, and now have the honor of him as my elder. Life-long relationships are definitely one of the most rewarding aspects of working with teenagers and young adults. Serving as a youth leader is more about sharing God’s love and forgiveness at a vulnerable yet influential stage in each youth’s life, which establishes close relationships. I may not have all the answers, nor say what they want to hear. But I do have the best job in the world — loving God’s people and assuring children, youth, and their parents that Jesus loves them too!“Tessa Brasher DCE, St. John’s Lutheran Church (Lafe, AR) |
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 Question: What is one of your favorite things about working in a Lutheran education ministry?Answer: “One of the highlights of being a Lutheran teacher is singing praise songs with children. My heart is filled with joy when our 3, 4, and 5-year-olds make a VERY joyful noise together. Even if I happen to be tired or frustrated, I can’t help but be reminded of God’s goodness when we sing.”Sharon Fryman PK-4 Teacher / Community Relations Director – Immanuel Lutheran School (Memphis, TN) |
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 Question: What is one of your favorite things about working in a Lutheran education ministry?Answer: “I think my favorite thing about working in Lutheran education is the camaraderie I feel when we have the chance to gather together with other Lutheran educators. I feel so fed when I get the opportunity to attend Early Childhood Conferences and hear about all the innovative teaching techniques other Lutheran schools use in their facilities. To have a group of educators willing to share their best practices can only help us all to grow into exemplary schools. That’s what I love the most!”Dina Foshee Director, Faith Lutheran Preschool (Collierville, TN) |
Question: When did you know that “ministry” was God’s path for you?
