Rev. Erik R. Schmidt, Lead Pastor – AKA “Pastor Erik”
First things first: I haven’t always been a pastor. In fact, I haven’t always wanted to be a pastor. I spent the first thirty-plus years of my life working various jobs, going to various schools, and wondering what I was meant to do: where did God want me, what was I good at, and how could I provide for my family in the long-term?
I just never saw myself as “that” kind of person. I wasn’t holy enough, didn’t pray enough, didn’t read my Bible enough, wasn’t “good” enough to be a (insert very serious voice) PASTOR. When some things in my life started spinning wildly, I had a conversation with my pastor. As we talked about a lot of different things, he noted my gifts and suggested I consider going to seminary to become a pastor. I laughed at first, but was shocked to find out he was serious. The most important thing he told me was, “God doesn’t call you to be anybody else. If God calls you, it’s because He wants to use you.” I knew I couldn’t be “that” person, but I was pretty sure I could be me…
I went to seminary at age 32, and in 2011, I was ordained in the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) at age 36. I have been blessed to serve two wonderful churches since then, and I am so thankful to be here at Peace. Peace is an awesome place that welcomes people as they are, but commits to growing as people together. I like to say, “Come as you are, but don’t stay that way.”
I am even more blessed to be the husband of an incredible wife and the father of three amazing children, one of whom was called home to heaven at age six. He will always be a part of our family, even as we learn to live without him. The four of us love being together, even as our son and daughter are entering adulthood.
I was raised in the LCMS, but spent my early adulthood in nearly every Christian denomination (and non-denomination) before returning. I like to say that I don’t believe what I believe because I’m Lutheran; I am Lutheran because of what I believe. I used to think the denomination you belong to didn’t matter, but I now firmly believe that being taught the Truth matters far more than being entertained or comfortable. While Lutherans do not have a monopoly on salvation, I do believe that the LCMS has the most faithful approach to biblical teaching (read it, believe it, then seek to understand it – in that order). For that reason, I find my home here. Because I want others to hear God’s timeless Truth and see how it applies to their own lives, I walk in this calling of Pastor.
In the past, I have half-jokingly called myself a “Renegade Lutheran Pastor.” I mean nothing more by this than that I am first and foremost a believer in Jesus Christ, the Word of God become flesh, as revealed to us by the power of God’s Holy Spirit through His written Word, the Bible. I have never been very interested in topics like which hymnal we should be using or which liturgy is the ‘right’ one. I can worship with vestments, pulpits and pipe organs, or drums, blue jeans and banjos. In fact, I very much believe that faithful ministry and worship style are uniquely contextual to each congregation and the community within which it is called to serve. In other words, which presentation has the greatest positive effect on those who are there to hear the Gospel, and which will appeal most to those who aren’t there yet? Those are the questions I think we need to ask ourselves as Pastors, rather than criticizing the actions of others within their contexts (Matthew 7:3).
I believe that humor, honesty and integrity are essential to being a pastor. I believe that real discipleship means being real, being yourself, and being thankful that you are forgiven in and by Jesus Christ. That also means being more forgiving of others. I work hard at that every day, and thank God for His forgiveness when (not if) I fail.
I have three degrees with a bunch of letters in them. I’ve taught college courses in philosophy and religion, worked in retail and retail management, and held a few other interesting jobs along the way. I’ve lived in five states, but was born and raised and happily reside here in the mitten. I am a devoted fan of Detroit’s “Big Four” professional sports teams, especially my beloved Lions and Tigers. Most of all, I look forward to meeting you, in person or online!
Click here to read more from Pastor Erik!
Rev. Matthew Hauser, School Pastor & Principal AKA, “The Principastor”
Click here to read more about Pastor Hauser’s journey to the pastoral ministry!