A Reflection on 10 Years
So, the 10th anniversary of my ordination will take place September 27th. That journey began in February of 2013. What follows are some chronological observations, leading up to the present.
I have been paid to think theologically since 1984. Starting with University of Detroit, The Jesuit Program of Living and Learning, and my consulting practice that focused on urban ministry, and building a community of compassion.
In 2007 I received my doctorate from The Ecumenical Theological Seminary (ETS) in Detroit.
Between 2007 and 2014 I was an adjunct faculty and board member of ETS.
My consulting practice ran from 1988-2020 during that time I was able to work with well over 150 missional organizations. I was amazed at the dedication of staff and volunteers becoming the arms and legs of God to those who were, hungry, hurting and without hope. It was humbling. Very humbling.
In January of 2013 I was contacted by our synod asking if I was available to be a stated supply at Transfiguration Lutheran Church (TLC) in Fenton, MI. for three months. This meant preaching and visiting shut ins. It was a major shift in my thinking from that of a consultant, to providing boots on the ground ministry.
Later in 2013, TLC started a call process and asked if I would be interested in applying. I asked the synod if I could go through this process knowing I was not ordained. I was allowed to be examined along with several ordained pastors and was finally selected by the congregation to serve as their Spiritual Leader. Along with this arrangement I was asked to explore various pathways to ordination.
In 2014 I was accepted into a pathway called TEAM (Theological Education for Emerging Ministries).
Over the next few years I completed my Lutheran Studies at Gettysburg Seminary, clinical work at Detroit Sinai and internship at TLC under the supervision of Pastor Sue Lidums.
Finally, I completed the process and was approved by a committee that oversaw my candidacy. All this led to my ordination and installation as Pastor of TLC in September of 2016.
Looking back at the process I realized that well over 30 people were involved in this process. I guess I was really vetted!
From 2016 through July of 2020, I served as pastor at TLC. During that time, I developed the Pathways in Compassion Nursing Home Visitation Program that focused on volunteer visitation of individuals that had been abandoned.
During those years I also participated on a few boards and became involved in the Flint Water Crisis.
The years between 2013 and 2020 at TLC were amazingly rich and rewarding. I have never before experienced such a level of love and support. Sometimes, I felt like “Who Me?” But what I realized it was not so much me as the love of Christ that would shine through me.
In July 2020 I was called to serve St. John. It was in the midst of COVID. We had only met via Zoom and phone during the process that began in March.
From August, 2020 to March 2021. We worshiped by zoom. Every Sunday morning it was just me in the building. I set up my lap top on the chancel with our window and cross in the background. It was a bit lonely. I would laugh and say well it is just me and the church mouse. I did receive great technical support from our team so never really felt alone. My installation was via Zoom and finally we opened for Palm Sunday 2021, with masks and a variety of protocols designed to keep people safe.
In 2022 we entered a Partnership with Succoth Church.
In 2022 we began our tutoring ministry.
Around 2022 we entered into a relationship with Antioch to share our music ministry. Finally, Antioch closed and we received many new members as well as unrestricted financial support.
In 2023-24 we converted the parish house into a home for adults with developmental challenges. My son Ryan is part of that home and I am so grateful that the congregation moved into this very important mission field.
In 2025 I became a Friend of The Order of Lutheran Franciscans. Currently I am a Postulant with the expectation of taking vows as a Novice in July of 2027. For me personally this is about building a new type of community that helps move my ministry down the path of peace.
Throughout my time at St. John we have seen our relationship with Renaissance Academy continue to grow which has allowed us to enjoy many improvements to our facility.
Our God’s Garden has continued to expand to serve more and more as an outreach.
From 2023 to 2025 our video and sound system has been fully replaced.
There is so much more that has happened over the past 6 years but none of it could have happened without the great work of staff, volunteer leadership and the entire congregation.
When I was called, I was asked how long I was prepared to stay. At that time, I said 10 years. My current thinking as I have entered into my 7th year is to absolutely honor that pledge and hopefully go further if The Spirit gives us all a green light.
There are so many people I should thank by name who have supported me on this journey but above all others I thank my wife, Beth. None of this would have been possible without her never-ending encouragement and support.
Peace,
Pastor Mark
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