Nebraska Synod ELCA

When Spirit of Grace Lutheran in Holdrege had been without a pastor for four years, they prayed for leadership that could bring steady presence and pastoral care. Enter Libby Florian, a Nebraska Synod Parish Ministry Associate (PMA) and current seminarian in Wartburg’s Collaborative Learning program. Libby serves the congregation 20 hours a weekwhile pursuing her Master of Divinity—living proof that a call can begin as lay leadership and grow into ordained ministry.

Libby’s path started with pulpit supply in 2020. She loved preaching, but two things tugged at her: the inability (as a lay supply preacher) to preside at Holy Communion and the lack of longer-term relationships with congregations. “Pastoring is about relationships,” she says. “People long for spiritual care.” Those convictions nudged her toward seminary. Today, she leads worship, offers pastoral care, and is learning the rhythms of congregational life—always with the reminder, “You’re a student first,” and the grace to keep learning.

Her ministry beats with a shepherd’s heart. Soon after arriving at Spirit of Grace, a member died on Good Friday; the funeral was the very next day. Libby had never written a funeral sermon and learned fast—leaning on ecumenical colleagues, crafting a service, and most importantly, holding a grieving family with the promises of God. “Being there with God’s comfort mattered,” she reflects.

Another story shows Libby’s vision for belonging. A middle-aged member with Down syndrome had never been confirmed. Libby adapted the congregation’s confirmation process—simplifying materials, focusing on relationship, and celebrating his faith journey with the whole church. They threw a taco-bar party, piled on cards, and welcomed him publicly as a confirmed member. “It pushed us out of our comfort zones,” Libby says. “It reminded us what church can be.”

Libby brings more than warmth; she brings wisdom. With 28 years of mediation experience, she’s skilled at listening, de-escalating conflict, and keeping the focus where it belongs: on God’s presence and people’s needs. “My job isn’t to correct,” she says. “It’s to reflect God.”

Her message to anyone feeling a nudge toward service is simple and bold: try it. “Nothing has to be forever,” Libby says. “If it fits, wonderful. If not, God has another path. And lay leadership isn’t only preaching—there are so many ways to share God’s love.”

“I hope everyone who worships hears a call within themselves—some way to share God’s love.”

Feeling a nudge? If you’re sensing a call—whether to pulpit supply, care ministries, teaching, or community outreach—talk with your pastor or contact the Nebraska Synod office. There’s a place for your gifts.