Position Title: Diaconal Minister
Main Duties:
"A Diaconal Minister's Call is to Word and Service. Word is the first part of that call. My passion to bring that Word to people is first and foremost. I have witnessed how entwined Pastoral Care (Chaplaincy) is in my job. To this end, after finishing my Master in Pastoral Studies degree, I completed 4 units of CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) to further aid in my calling to walk with individuals during their life journey.
Further, I use my pastoral care training as I work with the area of Service. The calling to service is illuminated by bringing the needs of the world to the attention of the church. And, then, using each person's God-given gifts to support and empower each other to reach out and share God's love as we address those needs. Working with the constituents of Good Shepherd has given me a plethora of opportunities to equip, encourage and empower all to know and use their God-given gifts while they continue 'Following Christ, Growing in Faith, Sharing God's Love' (GSLC's mission statement)."
Length of Employment w/ GSLC: June 1997 to Present
Immediate family:
"I am blessed to be a mother of three children. My oldest daughter, Tara, will graduate from Truman University in May, 2011. My second daughter, Kasey, will graduate from St. Louis University in May, 2011. My youngest daughter, Julie, is completing her first year at Knox University in Galesburg, IL. My husband, Charlie, is a Deputy Sheriff for Pulaski County, and works in the court system. Our family is rounded out by two cats and a donkey."
Where were you raised:
"I had the great blessing to grow up on cattle ranches, which my family still owns, in the Waynesville/Richland Missouri area. In 2010 my husband and I purchased a home and 20 acres across the gravel road from the ranch in Richland."
Hobbies and "extracurricular" activities:
"I am a life-long learner and greatly enjoy reading and frankly, just spending time with my husband, children, friends and extended family."
What aspect of your job do you find most satisfying:
"People!! I love working with the children of God by whatever work God provides for me each day."
What career path led you to your current position with GSLC:
"I started working for GSLC in June of '97. When I saw how many pastoral care issues bring people to church, I started taking Seminary courses in January of '98 through the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. I graduated in May of 2003 with a Master's Degree in Pastoral Studies from Eden Seminary. In February of 2004, I was called by GSLC as a Diaconal Minister. I finished my 4th unit of CPE in January, 2010. Currently, I have turned in my paperwork to the ELCA for consideration for Ecclesiastical Endorsement as a chaplain. To say that this is my "career path" is sometimes shocking to me, but not to God. The Bible verse that God continues to whisper (sometimes shout) to me is Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Thanks be to God.
Joyfully in Christ, Suzie
Email Suzie Everingham
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