Joy and Perseverance in Ministry: Rev. Karen Koelsch Shares Her Journey

In this inspiring episode of "Pulpit Perspectives Podcast" host Reverend Dr. Kent Lundy sits down with Reverend Karen Koelsch, the senior pastor at Trinity on Jackson United Methodist Church in Elkhart, Indiana. Celebrating her fourth year at the church, Karen shares her journey in ministry, her sources of joy, and invaluable lessons she’s learned along the way.

Karen’s journey into ministry began in her high school years, but it wasn't until she attended Ball State University that she fully embraced her calling. She talks about the pivotal influence of members of the Wesley Foundation and her church mentors, who guided her spiritual growth. A poignant memory she shares is when a close friend affirmed her call to ministry, saying, "It's about time the rest of us have known it for quite a while."

Throughout the episode, Karen touches on several critical aspects that come with being in vocational ministry, offering listeners insightful takeaways:

1   Persistent Joy Amidst Challenges: Karen exhibits a profound understanding that joy in ministry is not about the absence of challenges but rather about finding joy amidst them. She humorously recounts how her 8-month-old puppy can bring joy some days and test her patience on others. This perspective extends into her ministry, emphasizing the importance of maintaining joy even during trying times.

2   Relying on a Supportive Community: When asked who’s in the stands cheering for her, Karen highlights the importance of family, friends, and her covenant group. This powerful imagery reinforces how crucial a supportive community is for anyone in ministry. Those spiritual friends and family members become the bedrock during difficult times.

3   Faith and Perseverance: Karen shares her philosophy, “I can't screw it up so bad that God can't fix it,” demonstrating her resilient faith. This mindset allows her to keep pushing forward, knowing that God’s grace covers all trials and errors. For Karen, daily perseverance fueled by her relationship with Jesus is essential.

4   Ordinary Places Can Be Extraordinary: Reflecting on her profound experiences at Epworth Forest during her formative years, Karen beautifully illustrates how God often works in what appear to be ordinary places. These places become sacred spaces where God’s presence transforms and guides believers.

5   Core Principles of Ministry: Finally, Karen distills her ministry philosophy into three legacy words: try, follow, and rejoice. She believes in always trying, faithfully following Jesus, and never forgetting to rejoice in the good news. These principles guide her mission to make a lasting impact in Elkhart and beyond.

Join us for this heartfelt conversation as Reverend Karen Koelsch shares her wisdom, experiences, and the inspirations that fuel her commitment to ministry. Whether you’re in ministry or looking for spiritual encouragement, this episode offers abundant insights to inspire and uplift.

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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