EP33 - From Outsider to Pastor: Keith Kerstetter on Identity, Ministry & Moving at the Speed of Love

EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the Rooted Podcast, Josie and Symone sit down with Pastor Keith Kerstetter, a recently retired pastor who served in Willmar, Minnesota for 20 years. From his unexpected entry into ministry to his lifelong journey of feeling like an outsider, Keith vulnerably shares how God redefined his identity, reshaped his purpose, and gave him deep roots in grace and truth. Together, they talk about spiritual growth, the importance of relationships over rules, how fear often holds people back, and what it means to truly live for an audience of one. Whether you're navigating singleness, questioning your calling, or needing a reminder of God's redeeming love, this conversation will leave you encouraged, grounded, and inspired.

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TIMESTAMP SUMMARY:

• 02:00 – Childhood Roots: Advanced education, outsider syndrome, and 2am friends
• 06:00 – Early Career: From juvenile court to school administrator
• 07:30 – Finding Faith: The slow awakening to Jesus and salvation
• 13:00 – Insecurity & Calling: Becoming a pastor despite feeling unqualified
• 17:00 – Identity in Christ: Pre-decisions, people pleasing, and an audience of one
• 23:00 – Fear and Psychology: Only two innate fears and how the rest are learned
• 25:00 – Rules vs Relationship: Church culture, messy grace, and the carpet story
• 31:00 – Parenting Parallels: Rules flow from relationship
• 35:00 – Salvation & Motives: It’s not how you get there—just get there
• 40:00 – Spiritual Growth: Crawl, walk, run—mapping the discipleship journey
• 44:00 – Generosity Redefined: Beyond money—time, energy, and heart
• 46:00 – Dating & Singleness: Keith’s late marriage and advice for waiting well
• 50:00 – Final Encouragement: Play to an audience of one and live at the speed of love

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NOTABLE QUOTES:

• "Jesus moved at the speed of love—and it’s hard to love people when you're in a hurry."
• "You can go at the speed of life or you can go at the speed of love."
• "Imperfect motives lead to a perfect Savior."
• "Play to an audience of one. Live for the applause of the nail-scarred hands."
• "I didn’t want to look back and say I squandered singleness by whining instead of winning."
• "Without Christ, you have a hopeless end. With Christ, you have an endless hope."
• "When you know you're weak, you rely on Jesus' strength—that’s when miracles happen."
• "There’s a big difference between proximity to Jesus and intimacy with Jesus."
• "God doesn't just use us in spite of our weaknesses—He often uses us because of them."

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RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Willmar Assembly of God Website (discipleship roadmap and resources): https://willmarag.org
• Promise Keepers Movement (1990s men’s ministry encouraging connection and accountability)
• Micah 6:8 – Keith’s life verse: "To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God."

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