In the latest episode of the "Pulpit Perspectives Podcast," host Rev. Dr. Kent Lundy invites listeners to join him at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Elkhart, Indiana, where he engages in a heartfelt conversation with the senior pastor, Rev. Tom DeFries. The goal of this podcast is to foster connections among the clergy and congregations of the North District, and this episode does just that by taking us through Rev. DeFries' 12-year journey at St. Paul's and sharing the vibrant life of the church community.

The conversation kicks off with a discussion about what brings joy to Pastor Tom's life. Aside from family, he finds immense joy in the annual Christmas shop hosted by the church. This year, the initiative is set to brighten Christmas for 137 children who otherwise might not celebrate at all. The church community comes together selflessly, with about 40-50 volunteers participating, and this act of service brings an irreplaceable joy to Rev. DeFries and sets a tone of compassion and generosity.

One of the most captivating parts of the episode is when Rev. DeFries shares the moment he knew he was called to vocational ministry. At the tender age of 9 or 10, he had a profound spiritual experience in a reformed church in his hometown of DeMotte, Indiana, which marked the beginning of his lifelong journey in ministry. Initially, young Tom was hesitant, believing the misconception that pastors don’t have fun. Yet, he recalls with a smile how his childhood sermons to his brothers in their family basement laid the groundwork for his future calling.

Here are three takeaway points from this episode:

1 Joy in Service: The joy Rev. DeFries experiences through serving others, especially through the church's annual Christmas shop, emphasizes the fulfillment found in selfless acts of kindness and community service.

2 Early Calling: The story of his calling to ministry underscores the importance of nurturing spiritual experiences at a young age. This early encounter with God’s call can have a lifelong impact.

3 Balancing Ministry and Personal Life: Rev. DeFries talks about the significance of his family room, which, though ordinary in appearance, holds extraordinary value due to the quality time spent there. It's a reminder of the need for pastors to have a sanctuary away from their demanding roles.

Throughout the episode, Rev. DeFries emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with Jesus and trusting in the congregational journey. His commitment to love, service, and community underpins his ministry's legacy. As a fitting closure to this heartfelt discussion, Rev. Dr. Kent Lundy prays for Rev. DeFries' continued journey at St. Paul’s, reflecting the deep sense of connection and shared faith that Pulpit Perspectives Podcast aims to foster.

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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In this heartwarming and insightful episode of “Pulpit Perspectives,” we join Reverend Doctor Kent Lundy as he hosts the Pulpit Perspectives Podcast. Broadcasting from the sanctuary of Trinity on Jackson United Methodist Church in Elkhart, Indiana, Kent engages with Deacon Lori Grasty, a devoted servant who has dedicated 14 years to the congregation, with the last five years under appointment.

Lori's journey into ministry is a compelling narrative, steeped in perseverance, faith, and passion. Initially involved in Upward Ministry and Christian programming at the YMCA, Lori shares a profound dream that steered her pathway towards serving as a deacon. It's a classic tale of divine intervention and self-discovery, which began with a prophetic dream that prompted her to fully embrace her pastoral calling.

One of the standout elements in this episode is Lori's extensive involvement in children's ministry. Serving as the "Children Matter Most Coordinator" for the district and the "Growing Young Specialist" for the conference, she highlights her love for working creatively with kids through various initiatives like summer camps and creative arts camps. Her commitment to fostering a nurturing environment where children and families thrive is both inspiring and noteworthy.

Here are a few key takeaways from this episode:

1 The Call to Ministry:

⦁ Lori's dream is an extraordinary testimony to how callings can manifest uniquely. Her story emphasizes the importance of being open to divine signs and the transformative journey they can initiate.

2 Support Systems in Ministry:

⦁ Lori celebrates the extensive support from her family and church community. She underscores the significance of having a robust support network that champions one's ministry call and personal growth.

3 Value of Patience and Stillness:

⦁ She highlights the necessity of patience in ministry. By sharing how she has learned to be still and wait for God's timing, Lori's experience serves as a vital lesson on the value of taking measured, prayerful steps in one's ministerial journey.

4 Creating Joyful, Authentic Community:

⦁ Lori’s vision for her legacy revolves around fostering a joyful, authentic, and connected community. She wants the church to be a place where people, particularly children and families, experience joy, fun, and a sense of belonging without the pressure of being perfect.

5 Camp Lakewood:

⦁ This ordinary place turned extraordinary for Lori, highlighting how consistent engagement in a familiar setting can foster profound spiritual growth and transformation.

Join us as Lori and Kent deep dive into the facets of the ministry that make it a fulfilling and challenging vocation. Their conversation is a rich exploration of faith, community, and the unique journeys that shape our spiritual lives. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone involved in or considering a path in ministry.

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.