“We are called by God to grow in faith together, sharing Christ’s
love with each other and our community.”

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What is your vocation? Vocation is a fancy church word meaning a summons from God in its original
usage. Often used of clergy and other professionals, to mean that what you do is more than a job or occupation, but rather a fulfillment of all your skills and talents. People can have many vocations such as parents, teachers, caregivers, occupations that become their life’s work.
A further word we use in the church is bi-vocational which is often used to describe a church professional or pastor who attends to another occupation as well as pastoring a congregation. Then there are the really fancy folks that have tri-vocational, quad-vocational etc. in their understanding of themselves. That is all well and
good. Many of us pursue a great many interests and occupations that provide income as well as a nurturing
sense of purpose.
As we have been or will be shortly voting on the position of Pastor in this congregation it might be good for a brief explanation of what I do or will be doing some time and adjusting as needed throughout the years.
Vocational living is a matter of prioritizing the needs of your family, yourself, and your community in responding to the work God has prepared for us.
Pastor of First Lutheran Church
I will remain the Pastor of this congregation who presides over worship services, attends to education of adults and youth, and offers pastoral care in emergencies. As well as advising and supervising the staff, council, and programming of the congregation. This is a vocation that I love and am particularly well suited.
Marriage and Family Therapy Practitioner with Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota
I have been pursuing licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy since the fall of 2020 in order that I may be more helpful to rural communities and more effective as a pastor in often conflicted and complicated systems. Currently, I work with couples and families who are in crisis, mostly via telehealth to readjust family dynamics and treat mental health conditions. I spend between 2-10 hours a week currently responding to needs ranging from anxiety and depression to post-traumatic stress disorder and marital stress. This is a vocation or calling I responded to fill a need in small communities, and I have some
skills that have carried over from pastoring which are a benefit to this position.
Firefighter and Emergency Medical Responder with Askov Fire and Rescue
I have been an active volunteer firefighter and responder since 2016, largely because I like driving firetrucks, breaking things, and helping people in need. Due to the nature of pastoring and the time
commitments involved, I can’t volunteer with congregational ministry or community events as these are extensions of my occupation. But every community needs people to do ridiculous and dangerous things from time to time which I truly enjoy and appreciate the volunteer nature of the position.
Beyond and before these vocations I am a Husband, and Father which is and has been my priority in all things.
When we seek to follow Jesus as a community we are all asked to consider how we are called to respond to a world in need. What gifts have we been given? How might we use those gifts together for a better community and world over all? What are your priorities for ministry in your life and for your community at First Lutheran Church?
God be with you in your answering of these questions beloved ones  –

Pr. Erik