Dreaming Again
For Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Peter, stress and anxiety kept rising.
During COVID, disagreements over masking raised the anxiety level. Reactions to George Floyd’s murder added to the stress. Some members chose to leave the congregation.
Then the associate pastor left in October, 2022. The senior pastor left in 2023. One challenge after another. The congregation hunkered down in crisis mode.
Trinity began the call process to seek a new pastor. “We felt a lot of pressure to get it right for our congregation,” said Joni Seitzer, chair of the call committee.
Enter Heather Culuris, Synod Minister for Engaging Leaders. “Pastor Heather was super helpful,” Joni said. “She really got to know our congregation.” Heather reviewed their Ministry Site Profile, helping them best tell their story. “Heather invited us to be super open about where we have been, even though it was hard. Every pastor in the process appreciated that openness.”
Heather coached the call committee through the process, helping them work together through differences of opinion. Then came the names of candidates to be considered. “Since she knew the church so well, Heather provided names of candidates that really fit our congregation,” Joni shared.
The congregation called Pastor Scott Kershner and hasn’t looked back. “I feel like we can dream again,” Joni excitedly explained. Word is out that something is going on at Trinity! More and more kids come to confirmation. Families who haven’t been part of the congregation in years come back to experience the changes at Trinity. The congregation walks together with Pastor Scott, boldly stepping forward, prepared to face the joys and challenges of ministry together.
It's the dawn of a new day at Trinity Lutheran Church. As Joni explained, “I felt supported by Heather and the synod through the call process.” The Mission Support generously shared by congregations and individuals throughout the Southwestern Minnesota Synod made it possible. To all who made this possible: thank you!
