In this inspiring episode of "Pulpit Perspectives Podcast" host Reverend Dr. Kent Lundy sits down with Reverend Karen Koelsch, the senior pastor at Trinity on Jackson United Methodist Church in Elkhart, Indiana. Celebrating her fourth year at the church, Karen shares her journey in ministry, her sources of joy, and invaluable lessons she’s learned along the way.

Karen’s journey into ministry began in her high school years, but it wasn't until she attended Ball State University that she fully embraced her calling. She talks about the pivotal influence of members of the Wesley Foundation and her church mentors, who guided her spiritual growth. A poignant memory she shares is when a close friend affirmed her call to ministry, saying, "It's about time the rest of us have known it for quite a while."

Throughout the episode, Karen touches on several critical aspects that come with being in vocational ministry, offering listeners insightful takeaways:

1 Persistent Joy Amidst Challenges: Karen exhibits a profound understanding that joy in ministry is not about the absence of challenges but rather about finding joy amidst them. She humorously recounts how her 8-month-old puppy can bring joy some days and test her patience on others. This perspective extends into her ministry, emphasizing the importance of maintaining joy even during trying times.

2 Relying on a Supportive Community: When asked who’s in the stands cheering for her, Karen highlights the importance of family, friends, and her covenant group. This powerful imagery reinforces how crucial a supportive community is for anyone in ministry. Those spiritual friends and family members become the bedrock during difficult times.

3 Faith and Perseverance: Karen shares her philosophy, “I can't screw it up so bad that God can't fix it,” demonstrating her resilient faith. This mindset allows her to keep pushing forward, knowing that God’s grace covers all trials and errors. For Karen, daily perseverance fueled by her relationship with Jesus is essential.

4 Ordinary Places Can Be Extraordinary: Reflecting on her profound experiences at Epworth Forest during her formative years, Karen beautifully illustrates how God often works in what appear to be ordinary places. These places become sacred spaces where God’s presence transforms and guides believers.

5 Core Principles of Ministry: Finally, Karen distills her ministry philosophy into three legacy words: try, follow, and rejoice. She believes in always trying, faithfully following Jesus, and never forgetting to rejoice in the good news. These principles guide her mission to make a lasting impact in Elkhart and beyond.

Join us for this heartfelt conversation as Reverend Karen Koelsch shares her wisdom, experiences, and the inspirations that fuel her commitment to ministry. Whether you’re in ministry or looking for spiritual encouragement, this episode offers abundant insights to inspire and uplift.

To stay updated on the activities and ministry in the North District, follow their Facebook page. For more comprehensive information about the Indiana Annual Conference, visit www.inumc.org.

Join us next time for another episode filled with encouragement and community connection.

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Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Pulpit Perspectives Podcast, hosted by Reverend Dr. Kent Lundy. This episode, recorded in the chancel of Elkhart Faith United Methodist Church, brings forth the profound insights and heartfelt experiences of Rev. John Hogsett, the senior pastor of Elkhart Faith United Methodist Church. Rev. Hogsett has been serving his congregation for over 12 years and shares his journey of faith, family, and ministry in this deep, reflective conversation.

John Hogsett's tenure at Elkhart Faith United Methodist Church began in 2012, marking his long-term dedication to his congregation. From the onset, Hogsett aimed to nurture his children through high school and college while also growing his ministry. Throughout his conversation with Kent, Hogsett illuminated several critical aspects of his life and ministry, providing listeners with valuable takeaways.

Takeaway Points:

1 The Power of a Personal Calling:

⦁ Experience of Divine Encounter:

One of the most captivating segments of the episode is Rev. Hogsett's vivid account of his divine calling to pastoral ministry. While studying psychology in college, Hogsett initially aimed to follow in his mother's path as a counselor. However, a profound and life-changing experience during communion at Galloway United Methodist Church redirected his trajectory. He recalls seeing Jesus sitting next to him, instilling a clear, unspoken call to pastoral ministry. This vision profoundly strengthened his faith and guided his decision to enter ministry despite his introverted nature.

2 Family as a Support System:

⦁ Cheer Block:

For Rev. Hogsett, family is at the heart of his support system. His wife, Mary Anne, and their four children have been his biggest fans and most ardent supporters. Hogsett emphasizes the importance of family in sustaining him through the ups and downs of ministry. Moreover, his extended family and parishioners have also played vital roles in providing encouragement and prayers, especially during challenging times.

3 Faith, Grace, and Hope as Legacy:

⦁ Defining Legacy:

When asked about the legacy he hopes to leave at Elkhart Faith United Methodist Church, Hogsett succinctly articulated three words: faithful, grace, and hope. He reflects on his faithfulness to God’s calling, the grace he has tried to show and received from others, and the hope he consistently aims to convey to his congregation. These principles underpin his ministry and personal life.

4 Recharging Through Solitude and Scripture:

⦁ Introverted Reflections:

As an introvert, Rev. Hogsett finds rejuvenation in solitude and nature. He particularly enjoys walking, reading the Bible, and listening to music, especially classic rock and '80s Christian artists like DC Talk and Steven Curtis Chapman. His affinity for the Psalms, particularly Psalm 23, underscores his theological reflections and personal devotional practices.

5 Navigating Ministry Challenges:

⦁ Overcoming Introversion:

Despite being an introvert and facing initial fears of public speaking, Hogsett has embraced his pastoral role through perseverance and divine assurance. His journey reflects a transformative transition from reluctance to confidence, driven by a strong sense of calling and trust in God’s presence.

Tune in to this enriching episode to uncover how Rev. John Hogsett intertwines his personal experiences with his spiritual journey, offering lessons in faith, family, and ministry. This episode serves as a testament to the profound impact of divine calling and the unwavering presence of God in one’s life.

To stay updated on the activities and ministry in the North District, follow their Facebook page. For more comprehensive information about the Indiana Annual Conference, visit www.inumc.org.

Join us next time for another episode filled with encouragement and community connection.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to this heartwarming episode of the "Pulpit Perspectives" podcast, hosted by the ever-engaging Reverend Doctor Kent Lundy. In this episode, Kent visits Grace New Paris United Methodist Church in New Paris, Indiana, to chat with its dedicated pastor, Greg Way. Kent and Greg delve into a myriad of topics, offering listeners an enriching perspective on ministry, personal growth, and the joy of service.

Narrative Summary

Greg Way, a seasoned pastor now in his fourth year at Grace New Paris, welcomed Kent and the podcast listeners into his world with warmth and candidness. The conversation veered from his personal joys—like spending time with his granddaughters—to profound reflections on his calling to vocational ministry, which he felt as early as high school.

One of the most inspirational parts of the discussion was Greg’s depiction of his relationship with Jesus, humorously but sincerely imagining Jesus as a cheerleader at a figurative basketball game of life. This deeply personal and relatable imagery set the tone for the rest of the conversation.

Key Takeaways

1 Family as a Source of Joy: Greg shares that family, particularly his granddaughters, brings him immense joy. Having moved back to be closer to family after 30 years in Texas, he appreciates the newfound ability to experience family life more fully. This move has enriched his ministry by grounding him in the warmth and support of family.

2 Calling to Ministry: Greg’s journey to ministry began in high school but was initially delayed. Pressured by family expectations and financial constraints, he first pursued a technical career. Yet, the calling lingered, eventually drawing him back to serve in the church, a testament to the enduring nature of one’s true vocation.

3 Recharging in Nature: Greg recharges by spending serene mornings on his pontoon with his wife, reflecting on life and faith amidst the beauty of a lakeside sunrise. This practice highlights the importance of finding personal spaces and routines for spiritual and emotional renewal.

4 Shared Leadership: One lesson Greg learned the hard way was the necessity of letting go of responsibilities and empowering his congregation. He reflects on the growth that follows when church members take ownership of their roles and contribute to the community's spiritual life.

5 Legacy of Scripture, Missions, and Christlikeness: When asked about the legacy he hopes to leave at Grace New Paris, Greg aspires to be remembered for three core tenets: a dedication to scripture, a strong commitment to missions, and living a Christlike life. He believes these pillars are vital for a thriving, spiritually grounded community.

In closing, Kent acknowledges the significant progress made by Greg and his congregation, especially in recovering from the challenges posed by COVID-19. Pastor Greg Way’s journey and insights provide a refreshing and encouraging perspective for clergy and congregations alike, making this episode a must-listen for anyone invested in the vibrant life of church ministry.

For more insights and stories from the North District's faithful shepherds and their communities, follow Pulpit Perspectives on Facebook or visit the Indiana Annual Conference website at inumc.org.

Join us next time for another episode filled with encouragement and community connection.

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