a wild experience for me
to become pastor of the
congregation I grew up
in, and share the running
of the congregation with
my former schoolmates. A
highlight was being part of
shepherding through a new
strategic plan that led to a
major building program
that has borne good fruit for
Left to right: Jared and wife Justine, Derek, Ann,
the congregation and for the
Shaun, Tania, Erik, David Steen and Rachel.
school, which has increased
to 120 students.”
Because he and Ann did not get to see the completion of the project, the
congregation has offered to fly them back there this year, for which they are
very grateful.
In 2010 Erik was called to be the Assistant Pastor in Bryn Athyn. “It was a
challenging time for the congregation here,” he notes. “In doing my small part
to help navigate the ship back to calmer waters, I was heavily involved in the
Appreciative Inquiry and strategic planning processes. I have also taken on a
significant role with young adults in the congregation.”
Through all of this he has also found great satisfaction in writing two
books: Freely Give and One Heart. He is also working (“slowly”) on a book on
the sp