In this heartwarming episode of Pulpit Perspectives Podcast, host Reverend Doctor

Kent Lundy stands with Reverend Tim Ahlemyer, the senior pastor of First United

Methodist Church in La Porte, Indiana, to delve into the joys, challenges, and profound

lessons of ministry. Ahlemyer, who is in his second year at First United Methodist, brings

a wealth of experience and reflection, having spent four decades in ministry.

The conversation kicks off with Ahlemyer sharing what brings him joy: seeing people

smile and engage in meaningful conversations. This simple yet profound observation

sets the tone for a discussion rich with heartfelt insights. Here are some of the key

takeaways from their dialogue:

1. Support Systems in Ministry: Ahlemyer emphasizes the importance of having a

cheer block in ministry. His wife, children, grandchildren, and even his late

father and mother play pivotal roles in cheering him on. This suggests that clergy

need a robust support system to thrive in their vocations, reflecting the idea that

ministry is not a solo endeavor but a communal journey.

2. Recharging through Solitude: For Ahlemyer, solitude is essential for spiritual

recharging. He speaks fondly of his prayer garden behind the parsonage and the

rejuvenating power of silence. In today’s noise-filled culture, this reminder to seek

quiet spaces for reflection and connection with God is invaluable.

3. Lessons from Life Experiences: One of the most compelling parts of the

discussion is when Ahlemyer shares the hard-earned lesson of truth-telling.

Growing up in a children’s home, he learned early on to rely on lies as a survival

mechanism. However, as an adult, he recognized the liberative power of brutal

honesty with oneself and others. This vulnerability offers a profound lesson on

the importance of authenticity in both personal development and ministry.

4. Sacredness of the Calling: Ahlemyer beautifully articulates the sacred nature of

the clergy calling. He wishes for his fellow clergy to feel the sacredness of their

vocation—a calling to be set aside for the blessing of the world. Recognizing this

can combat the despondency that often accompanies ministry, reminding clergy

of their profound impact.

5. Creative Thinking in Ministry: When asked who he would take axe throwing

from scripture, Ahlemyer’s choice of Esau is both unexpected and insightful. He

admires Esau’s authenticity and views him as a relatable, down-to-earth figure.

This creative thinking reflects the need for clergy to find relatable biblical figures

who can inspire and ground them.

Throughout the episode, Ahlemyer’s reflections are filled with wisdom drawn from years

of experience, making this a must-listen for anyone involved in ministry or seeking

deeper spiritual insights. Tune in to Pulpit Perspectives Podcast for an enriching

exploration of faith, community, and personal growth.

Rev. Tim Ahlemyer

LaPorte 1 st UMC

http://www.laportefumc.org/

https://www.facebook.com/1225MichiganAve

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In this enriching episode of the Pulpit Perspectives Podcast, we are joined by Reverend

Melissa Englehart from Elkhart Dunlap United Methodist Church as she shares her

heartfelt journey and impactful ministry experiences. Here are three key takeaways from

our inspiring conversation:

1. Nurturing Involvement from a Young Age:

Reverend Melissa Englehart emphasizes the importance of involving children in the

daily operations of the church. She joyfully recounts instances where young members of

her congregation, from kindergartners to middle schoolers, take active roles such as

offering bearers, acolytes, liturgists, and ushers. This hands-on involvement empowers

the youth, instills a sense of responsibility, and ensures the continuity of faith and

dedication in the church community. Melissa’s approach not only fosters a nurturing

environment but also encourages the next generation to embrace their roles within the

church, creating a vibrant, interconnected community.

2. The Power of Support Systems:

A central theme in Melissa’s ministry is the significance of having a robust support

network. She shares her gratitude for the unwavering support from her congregation,

family, and friends, particularly those from seminary who continue to be a vital part of

her life through regular meet-ups and virtual check-ins. Melissa’s story is a powerful

reminder of how essential it is to cultivate and maintain strong relationships that can

provide encouragement and guidance. These bonds help sustain individuals through

challenging times, ensuring that no one has to navigate their ministry journey alone.

3. Living Out Your Calling with Faith and Love:

Melissa’s personal journey of answering her call to ministry, which began at the

age of 12, underscores a life led by faith and the willingness to follow God’s direction.

Her reflections on pivotal moments, such as her confirmation retreat and ordination

service, showcase the profound impact of listening to and embracing one’s divine

calling. Moreover, her legacy goals—centered on calling, hope, and love—speak to her

dedication to fostering a loving and hopeful environment within her church. Melissa aims

to leave a lasting impact by helping others discover their callings and by inspiring them

to live out their faith with love and hope, regardless of the inevitable changes and

challenges that may arise.

Join us for this uplifting conversation as Reverend Melissa Englehart shares her insights

and experiences, inspiring us to lead lives enriched with purpose, support, and divine

love.

Tune in to hear more about Reverend Melissa Englehart’s journey and the

transformative work happening at Elkhart Dunlap United Methodist Church. Listen,

reflect, and be encouraged!

Rev. Melissa Englehart

Dunlap UMC

https://elkhartdunlapumc.org/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086904405553

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In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the Pulpit Perspectives Podcast, Reverend Dr. Kent Lundy stands with Reverend Jared Kendall, the senior pastor of Valparaiso United Methodist Church. With the sacred backdrop of the church's pulpit, the two delve into Reverend Kendall's journey, joys, and the profound lessons he's learned in ministry. Kendall's heartfelt reflections and candid responses provide a rare glimpse into the life and mind of a dedicated pastor navigating both the heights and valleys of his calling.

Show Highlights:

1. The Joy of Family and Ministry: Reverend Kendall joyfully recounts his experiences of moving with his family and witnessing his daughters acclimate to their new environment. He also shares about his playful puppy and how simple family moments like jumping into piles of autumn leaves bring him immense joy. In his ministry, Jared is excited about the fresh wind of change and opportunity he perceives within the church and the broader denomination, embodying a season filled with hope and rejuvenation.

2. Support Systems and Spiritual Anchors: When pondering the metaphor of ministry as a basketball game, Kendall identifies his primary supporters—his wife, his parents, his spiritual director, and his congregation. He acknowledges their unwavering support and how their encouragement bolsters him through the highs and lows of ministry, reflecting the essence of a "great cloud of witnesses."

3. Answering the Call to Ministry: Kendall narrates his profound awareness of a call to vocational ministry, which began during his baptism and was solidified at camp. Despite his initial aspirations to design airplanes or roller coasters, Kendall's divine calling led him on a different yet equally inspiring path—helping people navigate life's turbulent ups and downs as a pastoral engineer.

4. Learning Through Life's Lessons and Hardships: One of the most significant takeaways from Kendall's experiences is his reflection on dreams and unfulfilled potential. He shares the poignant lesson that, in our thirties, unrealized dreams may give way to new dreams and visions, reinforcing the importance of resilience and hope in the face of life's inevitable losses and frustrations.

5. Sources of Restoration and Strength: Kendall reveals his love for woodworking and spending time in nature as crucial activities that restore his soul. Particularly, he speaks about building a cedar strip canoe during the COVID pandemic, a family project that brought them together and provided a sense of accomplishment and joy.

Conclusion:

This episode of Pulpit Perspectives Podcast encapsulates Reverend Jared Kendall's profound insights and personal reflections, presenting an enriching listen for anyone on their spiritual journey. As Kendall contemplates his legacy, he wholeheartedly embraces the sentiments of faith, hope, and love as the pillars on which he aspires to build his ministry. Tune in to be inspired and encouraged by the genuine and heartfelt narrative of a pastor steadfastly committed to his faith and community.

Call to Action: To keep up with the latest updates on the North District clergy and their churches, like the North District Facebook page and visit the conference website at inumc.org.

Rev. Jared Kendall

Valparaiso UMC

https://www.valpofumc.org/

https://www.facebook.com/ValpoFUMC

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