Nebraska Synod ELCA

When Jason Gerdes packed his bags for a summer as a camp counselor in 1999, he thought it would be a short detour before returning to his studies in agricultural sciences at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He had worked for years as a crop consultant and imagined a career in agriculture. But two weeks into summer staff at Carol Joy Holling Camp, Jason experienced what he describes as God “tapping him on the shoulder.”

“I just knew this was where I was supposed to be,” Jason recalls. “It felt like God was calling me—not just to a summer job, but to a life of service.”

That single summer changed his path forever. By the end of the season, Jason was offered part-time work in development for Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (NLOM). He accepted and never looked back. Today, 25 years later, he serves as Executive Director, still filled with joy for the work that first captured his heart.

A Ministry of Empowering Others

For Jason, leadership has always meant more than titles or offices. “I define myself as a servant leader,” he says. “My greatest joy is empowering others to recognize their gifts and grow into leaders themselves.”

He sees this most clearly each summer in the young adults who serve on camp staff. “It’s not just about teaching kids how to canoe or make friendship bracelets,” Jason says. “It’s about teaching them how to be a friend, how to live in community, how to serve others.”

From the very first day staff arrive, Jason models this value. He’s the one who carries their luggage in. “Before they even know who I am, I want them to see that we are all willing to serve each other,” he explains. “Hospitality and humility are the foundation of everything we do.”

Seeds Planted Along the Way

Looking back, Jason can see how his call was shaped by seeds planted long before that summer of 1999. Years as a camper taught him that camp was a place where faith felt personal. A casual comment from a friend at church nudged him to apply as a counselor. And the encouragement of his parents, mentors, and church family helped him say “yes” to opportunities that followed.

“Those little comments, those moments with people God placed in my life—those changed my direction,” he reflects. “It’s why I try to go back and thank them whenever I can. They were planting seeds that grew into my call.”

Living the Call Everywhere

Though camp is his workplace, Jason is quick to say that call is not confined to a job title or a church role. “God calls people to be truck drivers, teachers, electricians—whatever it is. Our calling is about using the gifts God gave us, wherever we are.”

For Jason, that includes his most important role: being a husband and father to three teenagers. “I get to mentor and walk with them every day,” he says. “It’s a new stage now, with more guiding than directing, but it’s still about planting seeds and learning from them too.”

He also lives his call in his congregation, Rotary Club, and even as a landlord. “I don’t want to be a different person at camp than I am at home or in the community,” Jason says. “Authenticity matters. Wherever I am, I want to serve with the gifts God has given me.”

Joy in the Work

After 25 years, Jason still loves coming to work each day. “It feels new all the time,” he says with a smile. “The joy comes from knowing that what we do here matters—that camp is a place where lives are shaped, faith is deepened, and leaders are born.”

It’s that joy and sense of purpose that Jason hopes others will carry into their own lives. “We all have callings,” he says. “When we recognize our gifts and use them in service to others, that’s where God shows up. And that’s where joy is found.”