In this inspiring episode of the "Pulpit Perspective" podcast, host Reverend Dr. Kent Lundy welcomes Pastor Joy Ahlemyer, currently serving at La Porte First United Methodist Church and supporting the district superintendents in the South and Southwest districts. Joy shares her passionate journey in ministry, the sources of her joy, and her insightful reflections on her calling and experiences.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Answering the Call Despite Challenges:

• Joy Ahlemyer opens up about her difficult journey to answering her call to ministry, which was compounded by her upbringing in a fundamental background where women were not traditionally preachers. Her story is one of perseverance and transformation, demonstrating that even deeply ingrained cultural beliefs can be questioned and overcome. Joy’s anecdote about her initial reluctance and eventual acceptance to preach, despite significant personal and doctrinal struggle, serves as an empowering narrative for anyone wrestling with their vocational calling.

1. The Power of Community and Personal Mission:

• Joy emphasizes how community and personal mission fuel her ministry. Her greatest joy comes from starting new ministries, integrating music, fostering language skills, and nurturing relationships. Joy's personal mission statement—connecting people to people, resources, and ultimately, to God—illustrates the importance of relationships and community in effective ministry. Her cheer block, made up of family members, prayer partners, and mentors, highlights the critical role that supportive relationships play in sustaining and enriching one’s ministry work.

1. Recharging Through Interaction and Solitude:

• As an extrovert, Joy gains energy and inspiration from interacting with others, yet she also finds profound spiritual nourishment in solitary moments of prayer. Her description of transforming a closet into a prayer room, where she connects deeply with God amidst personal and ministry challenges, underscores the necessity of balancing outward engagement with inward reflection. This sacred space not only enriches her spiritual life but also impacts those around her, showcasing how ordinary places can become extraordinary through intentional spiritual practices.

This episode of "Pulpit" with guest Joy Ahlemyer is a testament to the transformative power of faith, the importance of community support, and the balance of extroverted and introspective spiritual practices. Tune in to hear more about Joy's journey and the vibrant ministry work happening at La Porte First United Methodist Church.

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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Welcome to another uplifting episode of the Pulpit Perspectives Podcast. In this

episode, Reverend Dr. Kent Lundy stands with Pastor Trish Johnsen at her pulpit, the spirited

leader of Salem Chapel United Methodist Church in La Porte County. Pastor Trish, who

has been at Salem Chapel since July, shares her journey, challenges, joys, and the

incredible community that defines her church. From discussing her favorite hobbies to

the pivotal moments in her ministry, Pastor Trish provides a heartfelt glimpse into her life

and work. Whether it’s savoring fellowship meals or recharging in the woods, her stories

are both inspiring and relatable.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. The Joy of Community and Fellowship: Pastor Trish Johnson emphasizes the

vibrant and welcoming community at Salem Chapel United Methodist Church.

With special highlights on their fellowship time and the Retreads group, who

ensure everyone feels included—even catering to her gluten intolerance—Trish

underscores the importance of sharing meals and building relationships. This

sense of community fosters a nurturing environment, allowing members to feed

not just the body, but the soul too.

2. The Importance of Support Networks: In a candid conversation about who

cheers her on in her ministry, Trish discusses the invaluable support from her

family, especially her husband, and her close-knit circle of pastor friends. This

home court advantage, as referred to by Dr. Lundy, is vital for those in ministry.

Pastor Trish’s narrative demonstrates that encouragement and backing from

loved ones and fellow clergymen are crucial for sustainable and effective ministry

work.

3. Embracing Nature and Finding Sacred Spaces: Pastor Trish reveals her love

for the outdoors and how it serves as her sanctuary for recharging. Whether

hiking in the woods year-round or simply sitting in her car with the windows

down, the natural world provides a space for reflection and spiritual renewal. Her

favorite Bible verse, Psalm 121, and her love for a majestic maple tree in her

yard highlight the sacred connection she feels with nature and how it facilitates a

deeper connection with God.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about the North District clergy and their churches on the

North District Facebook Page

.

Discover more about the Indiana Conference and Fresh Expressions at

inumc.org

.

Tune In Next Time: Join us for more inspiring stories and insightful discussions.

Reverend Dr. Kent Lundy continues to bring heartfelt interviews, focusing on the

dedicated clergy making a difference in their communities. Thank you for listening to the

Pulpit Perspectives Podcast. Stay encouraged and connected!

Host: Reverend Dr. Kent Lundy

Guest: Pastor Trish Johnsen – Follow her journey and stay inspired by the community

spirit at Salem Chapel United Methodist Church.

Pastor Trish Johnsen

Salem Chapel UMC

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064347923288

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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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