“Almost 28 years ago, my wife Krista and I arrived in Louisville, Kentucky, with our six-week-old daughter. There was no mentor program back then, just what we called “Total Recall,” which took place at the Seminary after your first year in the parish. I really could have used a mentor that first year. It’s not that I had no one to go to with questions, no one to encourage me. But I didn’t have a dedicated brother with whom I could meet regularly and who provided me with a safe place to vent my frustrations and receive encouragement. I remember one of the speakers at “Total Recall” saying to us, “If you’re not having fun, get out.” I said to myself, “I’m definitely not having fun. Does that mean I should get out?”
Thankfully, God kept me from getting out. And now, all these years later, I have had the privilege of welcoming two new brothers to Kentucky. In 2023, Zach Kluball arrived in Lexington, Kentucky, with his wife and young son. And in 2024, Jacob Schmidt arrived in Radcliff, Kentucky, with his wife and young son. It reminded me of the situation I was in when I arrived in Kentucky. But this time, I was there to be a mentor for both Zach and Jacob.
Every month since their arrival, I have had the privilege of meeting with my young brothers in the ministry. I’ve listened to them as they’ve recounted their joys. I’ve also listened as they vomited out their frustrations. Each brother has faced challenging situations in their young ministries, situations they don’t cover in our practical theology classes at the seminary. Each brother has questioned whether they really are the right man to serve their congregation. They’ve questioned their abilities. They’ve struggled to balance church time and family time. They’ve done all the things I remember doing 28 years ago.
It has been an honor to be the one who provides them with a safe place to talk about all these things. It brings me such great joy to remind them of God’s promises and assure them that God called them to their congregations for a reason and that he is equipping them for their service. It blesses me to discuss the challenges that they’re facing. In encouraging them, I am encouraged.”
Pastor Steven Lange serves at Hope Lutheran Church in Louisville Kentucky.