Canoeing the Challenges and Blessings of Building Christian Community: Rev. Jared Kendall's Insights on Pulpit Perspectives

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/

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