Nebraska Synod ELCA

by Pr. Rex Rogers

I have always had a strong faith, but my discernment process to consider ordained ministry developed slowly over the years. However, to make that leap of faith to ordained ministry was not without reservations.

As I was reaching retirement age, my discernment process centered around;

• Is this something I want to do at this age and stage in my life?
• Do I want to go back to school and go through this process?
• Am I even worthy of a call to ordained ministry?

It would have been very easy for me, it would have been very comfortable for me, to continue in the various roles I have served in our local congregation and within the Nebraska Synod Candidacy Committee.

However, the more involved I became in the church, especially providing lay ministry pulpit supply for my home congregation as well as surrounding communities churches, the more my passion for ordained ministry grew on me.  After several conversations and prayers, the answer became very easy and apparent for me, I needed to follow this call.

The TEEM program was a perfect fit for me and allowed me to serve here at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Tekamah while going through the Candidacy process.  I am humbled by the support of the congregation, community, Synod, and Wartburg Seminary as they walked with me throughout this process. This process concluded with a moving and emotional ordination service in May of 2023, a day I will always remember.

Since entering the TEEM program and now being ordained, I only feel an increased sense of joy in serving our Lord and Savior. I remain humbled and honored to stand behind the altar and lead worship. To preach God’s Word and administer the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Baptism. To build relationships and walk with members from baptism to death.

While I have grown tremendously throughout this candidacy process, I realize I still have a lot to learn. That our faith journeys never end, whether we are answering a call to serve in a lay capacity or answering a call to ordained ministry.

I would like to close with the words from the song “God’s not Done” by Tauren Wells that were encouraging to me.

God’s not done with you – Even with your broken heart and your wounds and your scars
God’s not done with you – Even when you’re lost and it’s hard and you’re falling apart
God’s not done with you – It’s not over, it’s only begun
So don’t hide, don’t run – ‘Cause God’s not done with you
He’s got a plan, this is part of it – He’s gonna finish what He started –
He’s not done – God’s not done writing your story – No, He’s not done

I encourage all of you, keep discerning your call, step out of your comfort zone, take a leap of faith, God’s not done with you!!

Pr. Rex Rogers serves at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Tekamah