Bethany Lutheran Church welcomes Pastor Paul Petersen as he begins his ministry with us as Interim Pastor. Paul comes to us with a deep well of experience, having served in ministry for 42 years, including the past 14 years as an ordained pastor in the ELCA. His journey in ministry has taken him through many roles, with a significant portion in Campus Ministry, as well as working with a wide range of congregations, each unique.
Pastor Paul invites us to call him whatever makes us comfortable, Paul, Pastor Paul, or Pastor Petersen.
The role of an interim pastor is to walk with a congregation during a transitional time, typically lasting 12 to 18 months, as we prepare for the call of a new long-term pastor. As Paul explained in his introduction this morning, this “between time” is not just about waiting, it’s a sacred opportunity to pause, reflect, and ask important questions:
“Who are we right now?”
“What are our hopes and dreams for this congregation?”
“What are God’s hopes and dreams for this congregation?”
These questions aren’t meant to be answered quickly or easily. Instead, they are meant to guide and shape the work we will do together as a congregation, with the help of our Church Council and the Call Committee. Paul reminded us that much of this work will happen behind closed doors, not to exclude anyone, but to ensure confidentiality and integrity for all candidates involved in the process. When the time comes for big decisions, those will be made together, as a community of faith.
In the meantime, we are invited to be present, to listen, and to ask honest questions of one another. As Paul shared, “It’s a time to grow together asking, why are we here now, and what is God calling us to do?”
Pastor Paul has two adult sons, one living in Minneapolis with a daughter, Paul's beloved granddaughter, and another in Michigan who will be getting married this October.
As we begin this journey together, we give thanks for Pastor Paul’s leadership, experience, and heart. We pray for wisdom and clarity as we step into this season of discernment, and we trust that God is already at work preparing the way ahead.
Welcome, Pastor Paul, we’re glad you’re here.
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