The Second Career Pastor

In this episode, I am joined by my friend Rev. Gina Anderson-Cloud. I first met Gina when she and her husband Bert were appointed to St. Matthew’s UMC as Associates under the incomparable, Rev. Ken Jackson (may he rest in Peace). In her first career, Gina used her study of Gerontology and Social Work to engage in a passion for caring for others. She took this passion and followed her path to ministry along with her husband, Bert. We discuss her path into ministry, her time in ministry, being married to a fellow pastor, and all the things that come with it as we reflect on her journey.

One of the true gifts I have experienced in ministry is having great mentors and friends. In this episode, I get the chance to speak with my mentor and close friend, Rev. Denise Honeycutt. Denise is authentic, energetic, empathetic, and empowering. And she is truly a gift for many of us.

Today, I share part of my story as a Second Career Pastor. I came to ministry equipped with a career in sales leadership for 25+ years. I am also sharing details about future podcasts that I will hold with varying topics and connections.I did not include my background as a Basketball Official on the High School and NCAA levels. Perhaps another episode down the road. I hope you enjoy learning a little more about my background and why I created this podcast. Thanks for listening.

From the fast-paced world of being a Nurse in the Cardiology unit at UVA Hospital to answering a call to ministry, my friend Rev. Julie Nitzsche has quite a story to tell. In this interview, Julie shares her background as a nurse, her call to ministry, and how her previous career allowed her to lean on those experiences in her role as a Pastor today. Currently serving as one of the Pastors at Aldersgate UMC in Charlottesville, Julie shares her career change, the importance of mentors, and connectional relationships in her role today.

In this interview, I have a chance to talk with my good friend and mentor, Rev. Brian Johnson. Brian is currently serving as the Senior Pastor at Williamsburg UMC. Brian also serves as the Dean of Licensing School for the VAUMC (a title he says is over-inflated), and is a great leader for those entering ministry.

In this interview with Cathy Abbott, she shares her background working for Enron and all the things that came with it for her, both positive and negative. We also learn about her path to ministry and her unlikely choice as a District Superintendent at the time.

I had the pleasure of interviewing my former seminary Professor and Dean, Dr. Carla Works. In this time together, we learn about Dean Works’ path to where she is today and how some of those transitions were for her. We also talk about the landscape of Seminary Education and how Second Career Pastors can journey through various paths into ministry.

This interview is with my friend, Rev. Bert Cloud, who is serving as the Pastor at Sterling UMC in Sterling, VA. Before entering ministry, Bert worked as a School Psychologist for a number of years. He and his wife, Rev. Gina Anderson-Cloud entered Candler School of Theology together and started their journeys, and have served together and apart. We talk about his background, journey, and a behind-the-scenes look at the appointment process as a clergy couple.

I got the chance to interview one of my Seminary Professors, Dr. Phil Wingeier-Rayo who is now the Executive Director, Education at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. In this interview we explore his new book, John Wesley and the Origins of Methodist Missions. We discuss a connection for Second Career Pastors and much more!

In this special episode, I have the opportunity to connect with my good friend and mentor, Jonathan Page, who is the new Director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership. Jonathan shares some of his background, transitioning from a position within the Virginia Annual Conference as the Director of Connectional Ministries of Connection and Innovation. We also talk about the importance of leading from the second chair for Associate Pastors, and the changing landscape of ministry, which includes Cooperative Ministry, Bi-Vocational Ministry, and how it will change over the next 5-10 years.

Rev. Jessie Colwell has been in ministry for 15 years. She has served at small, mid-sized, and large churches. She is currently in her fifth year as the Director of Clergy Excellence for the Virginia Conference of the UMC. Jessie has authored one book, “Blessed Wrestling,” and co-authored another with Rev. Dr. Teresa Angle-Young, “Creation’s Call,” which came out this year. She is passionate about walking alongside clergy and supporting them on their journey in ministry.

In this special Christmas episode, I am thankful to have time to speak with Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson. We talk about her career in law, her path to ministry, and all the stops along the way. I hope you enjoy this conversation I had with Bishop Sue.#VAUMC #2ndCareerPastor

In this interview, we will learn about Teer’s time working as a contractor with the State Department, including visits to Yemen (after the U.S. Embassy attack), Hong Kong, and Tajikistan. We will visit his time in college at WV Wesleyan and his transition to ministry. We will also explore the importance that we both found as an Associate Pastor and his current appointment as the Pastor at Walker Chapel UMC in Arlington, VA.

Rev. Sean Gundry is currently serving at Verona UMC in Verona, VA. Prior to ministry, Sean worked as a Producer for a Country Music radio station and in Retail in Asset Management. Sean also spent a number of years as a High School Basketball Coach and worked in Youth Ministry.We will explore how his career before ministry helped shape him as the leader he is today. I hope you enjoy this interview. #2ndCareerPastor #VAUMC

Rev. John Rowe currently serves as the Pastor at Marshall UMC in Marshall, VA, in the Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Prior to ministry, John was a Master Electrician, a title and skillset he still holds today.From an Emmaus weekend to leading a youth group and entering seminary, John’s path is unique from others who have been called to ministry as a second career.

Gayle spent close to 30 years in nursing, with the last 25 years in the Hospice Care field. In this interview, we discuss how her experiences have helped her in ministry. She will share her journey from her nursing career to being a Second Career Pastor. Today, Gayle serves at Cokesbury UNC in Woodbridge, VA.

In this interview, I enjoy spending time with Brian and talking about his background in IT (Information Technology) via an Engineering degree from Virginia Tech. Brian then got involved in the church as a lay member, and it opened more doors into responding to God’s call.We talk about his time at various appointments and the differences and unique challenges he navigated along the way. Today, Brian is the Senior Pastor at Trinity UMC in the West End of Richmond, VA.

Rev. Bob Michalides currently serves at St. Paul UMC in Woodbridge, VA. Before entering ministry, he was an Occupational Therapist. During his years serving patients and families and growing into a supervisory role, he developed many skills that parallel his time in ministry.In this episode, we will discuss how those skills have allowed him to transition smoothly in many aspects, including Pastoral Care, Budgeting, Supervision, and being what we call in the “people business.”

Rev. Audrey Smith is a “third-career Pastor.” She spent twenty years as a Clerical Supervisor in the Insurance industry. She then spent fifteen more years in education as a Music Teacher and Choir Director. In this interview, we discuss her time in those careers and how she transitioned from being a manager to being a leader.She answered the call to ministry and was licensed in 2022, and is currently serving at The Gathering at Washington Street, which is a Community Mission Church that serves a community of great need. We will explore what her ministry looks like today and how her journey has brought her here today.

Don Jamison has an extensive background in manufacturing and engineering, which includes senior-level and mid-level leadership roles. During his time in ministry, Don has served in a rural setting, a three-point charge, and medium to large-sized churches. Don has also been involved in mentoring countless people to prepare for their Theology work towards Ordination. In this interview, Don highlights the importance of mentors and relationships on his journey.

Rev. Claire Miller is currently appointed as the Pastor at Washington Farm UMC in Alexandria, VA. She is also the Virginia Annual Conference Secretary. Before ministry, Claire spent time as a Human Resources Director and Trainer, a Technical Recruiter, and in Marketing.During my time with Claire, we discussed how the skills she developed in her first career have helped her in her ministry today. I am thankful for her insights into the importance of mentors and the valuable advice she would offer to anyone considering a path into ministry. I hope you enjoy this episode.

Rev. Dr. John Obeng is the Resident Pastor of New Life International United Methodist Church in Alexandria, VA. In his first career, John had a career as a manager for a cleaning supply company in Ghana and other parts of West Africa. He and his family came to the United States in 2007, and he worked in a similar industry in a sales role before responding to his calling into ministry.

Sherry has a unique background for the definition of a “Second Career Pastor.” Instead of working for Corporate America or as an educator, attorney, or in medicine, Sherry is a military spouse. She has supported her husband, Andrew, and his career in the Marine Corps. She shares how supporting him and their family with the constant moving and all that comes with it can be overwhelming and exciting all at the same time.We discuss her experience, her call to ministry, how she came to the United Methodist Church and Wesley Theological Seminary, and much more. I hope you enjoy this interview with Sherry.

Mac McKenney spent a number of years working on Capitol Hill for members of the House of Representatives and then as a Lobbyist. He earned his MDiv. from Wesley Theological Seminary in 2018 and is currently serving as an Associate Pastor at Springfield UMC in Springfield, VA.In this episode, we explore the tools that Mac brings with him from his previous career in politics and how they have helped him in ministry. Enjoy.

Ministry was not Matt’s first career. He was in law enforcement for twenty years, taking an early retirement from the City of Falls Church as a Police Captain to answer the call to ministry. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Towson University, a Certification of Police Principals at The Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy, and a Master of Divinity degree at Wesley Theological Seminary.As a PK (Pastor’s Kid, Matt was drawn to ministry at a young age but didn’t respond until later. Matt shares his experience in law enforcement, including his story and personal connection to what was happening during the D.C. Sniper Shootings. I hope you enjoy this time with Matt.

My friend Katie Phillips has a real cool background. She worked in comedy and specifically improv comedy. She has been a Theater Performer, Artistic Director and even followed her first dream of being a H.S. English Teacher in her hometown. Along the way, she was involved in church and through a couple of wonderful mentors and colleagues, she followed her heart for minsitry through her passion of teaching. She currently serves at The Vine in Dunn Loring, VA and has found a way to bring another passion into her ministry by developing Improv Church and shares more about that in this episode. Enjoy.

Brad Duty, Ret. Col. USAF, had a decorated 30+ year career with the United States Air Force. He shares his background from his military career, including a compelling story of what 9/11 looked like for him inside the Pentagon.After his military career and spending time as a Government Contractor, he worked in Financial Advising with a focus on helping people with long-term care and Annuities. After visiting Adam Hamilton’s Church of the Resurrection and following his wife’s suggestion, Brad took his passion for helping people with their finances into ministry.Today, he works as a Foundation Services Advisor with the Virginia Annual Conference Foundation and also as one of the pastors at Sydenstricker United Methodist Church in Springfield, VA. I hope you enjoy this podcast.Blessings,Pastor Scott

Chip shares his experiences as an educator for 30 years as a Teacher (1st - 3rd grades for 16 years) and as a Principal (14 years). Chip also has experience as a performer as a member of a band, The Windbags. He will share these experiences and how they helped him transition into ministry.Chip currently serves as one of the Pastors at St. Matthew's UMC in Richmond, VA, and is starting a new church plant called St. Matt's North.

I had the pleasure of working with Lauren Holtkamp-Sterling for four years when I worked for the NBA as a Courtside Administrator in Referee Operations. During our time, we had several conversations about my journey through seminary and into ministry as a Second Career Pastor. I learned that she received her MDiv. from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. After stepping down from her career as an NBA Official, she has decided to transition into Family Counseling using her experience from seminary and her passion for Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy as the driving force. This episode provides a behind-the-scenes view of life as an NBA Referee for a woman and what she was able to bring with her into her new life. I hope this episode allows for an appreciation of her path into ministry, detoured by officiating, and returning to her new career.

Before responding to her call to the ministry, Sarah was a lawyer specializing in handling the legal needs of businesses. She transitioned to ministry and has been a pastor, now serving as the District Superintendent of the Mountain View District of the Virginia Annual Conference.In this first episode of The Second Career Pastor, we will learn what tools Sarah brought with her to ministry and shares insights to help those considering ministry as well.