Illinois Conference President John Grys talks with the first- and second-year students. [All photos by Katie Fellows]
Debbie Michel
November 14, 2024The event’s primary objective was to strengthen the partnership between the department and the Lake Union, reaffirming their shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of pastoral leaders.
“This collaborative initiative equips our future pastors with the practical skills and core qualities essential for effective pastoral ministry,” said Department Chair Rodney Palmer. This year’s event provided a platform for students to engage directly with experienced church leaders and gain insights into the realities of pastoral work.
The day-long program included interviews for junior and senior theology majors for potential pastoral openings, offering them a unique opportunity to network and make valuable connections. Meanwhile, first- and second-year students had the chance to learn more about pastoral ministry and church organization.
One of the key moments of Lake Union Day was the announcement of the recipients of the Lake Union pastors and teachers scholarships. The theology scholarships were awarded to Seth McKelvey from the Michigan Conference and Pau Sian Khual from the Indiana Conference. The education scholarship awardees included Katelyn Bliven from the Michigan Conference and Valentina Rodriguez from the Lake Region Conference.
Illinois Conference President John Grys kicked off the discussion, answering a question on important lessons learned while being in ministry. “One of the biggest lessons you can learn is to give yourselves grace. Your journey is unique, and comparison to others, especially those years into their ministry, is not fair.”
Grys emphasized the importance of focusing on personal growth rather than mimicking established leaders. "You can't expect to be like another pastor right out of the gate," he said. He further counseled the students to focus on who they are becoming today. "Skills are important, but what's more important is who you are. You'll get hired for your skills, but you'll get fired for your character more often than not."
Fellow panelist Pete Braman, the Illinois Conference Ministerial director, added, "Listening well and asking good questions are essential. You’ll find yourself in diverse cultures, and understanding those nuances will help you grow." He encouraged aspiring ministers to learn from their mistakes, remarking, "You can't have a testimony without a test—your challenges will shape you."
Robb Long, Indiana Ministerial and Evangelism director, advised the students to prioritize self-care and family time. "You must stay healthy physically and spiritually. Don't neglect your personal relationship with God," he explained. Long highlighted the necessity of mentorship and posed the practical tip of committing to regular family time, stating, "You'll never look back and think, ‘I wish I had spent less time with my kids.’ You need to bond with your family."
Michigan Conference President Jim Micheff echoed the core messages, urging new ministers to connect deeply with their congregations. “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” he affirmed. Micheff emphasized the significance of pastoral visits, saying, "When you visit, you’re not just there to chat; you’re there as a spiritual leader."
As the discussion turned towards the shifting landscape of ministry, the leaders addressed the challenges of large church districts and the need for effective organization. In answer to a question posed about the number of churches pastors are expected to oversee, Grys noted, “Our ideal situation is one pastor for one church, but demographics are changing. We have to adapt our strategies and work more collaboratively.”
Braman highlighted the need for churches to develop leadership beyond pastoral roles, stating, “We must empower elders and deacons to take ownership in ministry.”
This was a sentiment shared by Ken Denslow, Lake Union President, in answer to a question on the role of pastors and independent ministries. Denslow elaborated on the dynamics of supporting independent ministries while maintaining a strong church community. “There should be a symbiotic relationship between independent ministries and the church,” Denslow explained. He noted that while these ministries can provide innovation, they shouldn’t operate independently without collaboration with church leadership.
In addressing a question related to the upcoming Pentecost 2025 initiative, Micheff shared his excitement at renewed evangelistic efforts. “This is a pivotal moment for our church. We are committed to providing resources for congregations to engage in meaningful outreach,” he stated, thanking Elder Bryant from the North American Division for significant financial support towards evangelistic activities. The Division is giving each church and school $3,000 toward an evangelistic effort, an initiative that could see the Division distributing an aggregate amount of $12-$13 million dollars.
The Q & A concluded with question to the panel about how they were able to maintain their spiritual and mental health throughout their career. Braman reminded the students of the importance of balance and mental health in ministry. “You will never finish your to-do list. It’s easy to find your self-worth in activities. Remember, even Jesus spent 30 years preparing before his ministry,” he advised, urging young ministers to prioritize their relationships with God and their families.
Lake Union President Ken Denslow chats with an Andrews University religion student.
Junior and Senior religion students catch up as they wait for conference mentorship interviews.
Junior and Senior religion students interact at the Q&A morning panel.
Pioneer Church Pastor Ben Martin takes professional headshots of the religion students.
Freshmn and Sophmore religion students listen during the Q&A panel discussion.
Pioneer Memorial Church Pastor Ben Martin takes professional headshots of the religion students.
John Grys, Illinois Conference president, kicks off the Q&A panel discussion.
Junior and Senior religion students interact at the Q&A morning panel.
Illionis Conference leaders John Grys and Pete Braman chat with two sophomore religion students.
Conference leadership answer questions during a Q&A panel discussion.
Religion students and Andrews University religion professors and staff chat before a Q&A panel discussion.
Debbie Michel is Lake Union Communication Director
