New pastors are ready to serve

From Pastor Jacqui Pagel

Did you know that after your new pastor or deacon has completed seminary and the candidacy process, they must still complete a minimum of 90 additional hours over the next three years? This expectation is set for all newly ordained and consecrated leaders by Churchwide. Churchwide allows each synod to provide this education on their own accord. Your Grand Canyon Synod works with all of Region 2 to provide these educational opportunities two times per year over a three-day event. 

Currently the Grand Canyon Synod has five participants in First Call Theological Education: Pastors Abel Arroyo–Traverso, Mateo Chavez, Kimberlee Law, Kathleen Lotz, and David Sivecz. We just completed our spring event hosted in Las Vegas at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church. All together from across Region 2, 40 leaders of the church gathered to discuss Care for Creation and how we live that our in our ministry sites. Thanks to a gracious gift from the Mission Investment Fund we were able to have a high caliber presenter, the Rev. Dr. Dan Smith, pastor at Lutheran Church of the Incarnation in Davis, CA challenge our ideas on what scripture says and what we actually get to do as wise stewards of all that God has given us. 

Your pastors and deacons called for the first time to serve in our congregations, hospitals, schools, any and all of our ministry sites are able to meet you where you are and ready to show you that Jesus is also there. The church is in good hands because our leaders are trained to serve. 

Pr. Jacqui is new the synod staff as Associate to the Bishop for Candidacy and Faith Formation. The attention of First Call pastors falls within her realm of responsibilities and she works with the other AtoB’s across Region 2, walking with first call leaders helping to prepare them for long term ministry in the ELCA.