Eight months ago, I received a very clear call to become a Lutheran (ELCA) pastor. Unfortunately, I was 75 years old at the time (I’m now 76), and I realized quickly that it is too late. I worship every Sunday at our small ELCA church here on our island in Puget Sound, Washington State. If I were a pastor, I’d wear the collar regularly.
I come from a rather priestly family: my mother’s father was a Lutheran pastor and chaplain in WWII. My father’s older brother was a Norwegian Lutheran pastor and educator, and I have a cousin in Norway that is a recently retired Lutheran priest.
I have stopped asking God why He waited so long to call me. Instead, I have placed my trust in Him and listen.
I apologize for this rather wordy comment, but I’m so happy to have “discovered” you on Substack. I think there is only one other Lutheran pastor that I have found here.
Have you talked with your pastor about this call? It's my observation that most would welcome someone with your life experience to help with visitations, maybe even sermons (depending on the congregation.) I grew up in the Puget Sound area, and even if they aren't that interested, pastors in neighboring mainline congregations may be. (As I recall, smaller congregations in the area often worked together to pool scant resources.) And check with the diocese to see if they have fast-track training for lay leaders such as yourself.
I agree with Marty - chat with your pastor about it. Why not follow the call one faithful step at a time? Kind of doing it for the journey rather than the destination? Worth prayerfully considering, perhaps. AND know that your priesthood can be lived into even without ordination in a multitude of ways, some of which look nothing like traditional pastoral ministry. Food for thought! And thanks for sharing!!! Prayers abound for you!!
I'm deeply touched by both of these kind responses. Our small congregation doesn't have an assigned pastor and because he has other churches to care for, he's not really available except during worship service. The local ELCA synod does have a program whose purpose is spiritual enrichment, and also offers a two-year program that results in something like a deaconship. I'm hesitant to sign up due to a situation at home that requires my presence almost 24/7.
I will act on your suggestions and consider the journey rather than the destination. Thank you both again for your kindness.
Looking at the photos you posted, I noticed that *how* the collar was worn helped with approachability: under a sweatshirt, sleeves rolled, knit-fabric shirt. With the possible exception of the initial generic photo, there wasn't a suit jacket in sight. Why not under a flannel or hoodie? In the end, it's your attitude that will make the difference. Is it worn as armor in defense against the world or a an identifier inviting connection? And I think you answered that. Well done.
I'm glad I don't need to wear them, in my youth I wore some stiff & uncomfortable uniforms for several years, but the military kind. Not recommended... 😜
Not many pastors wear them in warm & sunny South Africa, mainly RC & COE.
I haven't seen Lutherans wearing them here, except those in leadership positions.
Eight months ago, I received a very clear call to become a Lutheran (ELCA) pastor. Unfortunately, I was 75 years old at the time (I’m now 76), and I realized quickly that it is too late. I worship every Sunday at our small ELCA church here on our island in Puget Sound, Washington State. If I were a pastor, I’d wear the collar regularly.
I come from a rather priestly family: my mother’s father was a Lutheran pastor and chaplain in WWII. My father’s older brother was a Norwegian Lutheran pastor and educator, and I have a cousin in Norway that is a recently retired Lutheran priest.
I have stopped asking God why He waited so long to call me. Instead, I have placed my trust in Him and listen.
I apologize for this rather wordy comment, but I’m so happy to have “discovered” you on Substack. I think there is only one other Lutheran pastor that I have found here.
God bless you, Pastor Jonas. Keep writing!💙
Have you talked with your pastor about this call? It's my observation that most would welcome someone with your life experience to help with visitations, maybe even sermons (depending on the congregation.) I grew up in the Puget Sound area, and even if they aren't that interested, pastors in neighboring mainline congregations may be. (As I recall, smaller congregations in the area often worked together to pool scant resources.) And check with the diocese to see if they have fast-track training for lay leaders such as yourself.
I agree with Marty - chat with your pastor about it. Why not follow the call one faithful step at a time? Kind of doing it for the journey rather than the destination? Worth prayerfully considering, perhaps. AND know that your priesthood can be lived into even without ordination in a multitude of ways, some of which look nothing like traditional pastoral ministry. Food for thought! And thanks for sharing!!! Prayers abound for you!!
I'm deeply touched by both of these kind responses. Our small congregation doesn't have an assigned pastor and because he has other churches to care for, he's not really available except during worship service. The local ELCA synod does have a program whose purpose is spiritual enrichment, and also offers a two-year program that results in something like a deaconship. I'm hesitant to sign up due to a situation at home that requires my presence almost 24/7.
I will act on your suggestions and consider the journey rather than the destination. Thank you both again for your kindness.
I don’t remember what brought me to your Substack, but I’m glad I’m here.
ROLF ... in a good way
Looking at the photos you posted, I noticed that *how* the collar was worn helped with approachability: under a sweatshirt, sleeves rolled, knit-fabric shirt. With the possible exception of the initial generic photo, there wasn't a suit jacket in sight. Why not under a flannel or hoodie? In the end, it's your attitude that will make the difference. Is it worn as armor in defense against the world or a an identifier inviting connection? And I think you answered that. Well done.
I'm glad I don't need to wear them, in my youth I wore some stiff & uncomfortable uniforms for several years, but the military kind. Not recommended... 😜
Not many pastors wear them in warm & sunny South Africa, mainly RC & COE.
I haven't seen Lutherans wearing them here, except those in leadership positions.