Goodbye and Godspeed
Posted on Mar 04, 2025 by Jon Brudvig
Dear Partners in Ministry,
When facing a daunting challenge or entering an uncertain time of transition I am reminded of the phrase, “Every long journey begins with a single step.”
After four years of serving as your pastor, I am amazed at the steps that we have taken together. And now, as I say goodbye, my heart overflows with gratitude. Your generosity in the face of uncertainty and commitment to participating in what God is up to here is making a positive difference in the lives of people living in Johnson County, in our synod, and in far-flung places like Guatemala, Russia, Papua New Guinea, Germany, and beyond too.
My time with you has been a growth-filled journey of learning, adapting to change, and witnessing the Spirit’s work — sustaining, guiding, and empowering Salem’s ministries and mission. Thank you for your patience, grace, prayers, and willingness to welcome my family into your lives. I will treasure the different liturgical, pastoral, and educational ministry opportunities that have come my way as your pastor — especially the time spent with Salem’s confirmands, learning from others as we studied (and sometimes debated) the Bible together during the adult education hour, serving with others in Guatemala this past summer, and even getting soaked with water while participating in a Vacation Bible School skit.
I am also thankful to have worked with such an amazing team of staff and volunteers. Thanks, too, for the dedication and passion of the council leaders these past four years as we worked together to address challenges, pivot when circumstances beyond our control required us to, and equip leaders from within the congregation to help make progress on our most daunting challenges. Although my time serving as your pastor nears its end, I am certain that Salem’s ministries and mission will continue well into the future.
Thinking about what’s next, I am reminded of a song that gives me hope.
The church is not a building; the church is not a steeple; the church
is not a resting place;
the church is a people. I am the church! You are the church! We are the church together!
All who follow Jesus, all around the world! Yes, we're the church together!
Yes, one thing has become clear to me during our time together. We are church together, the body of Christ, called, gathered, and sent out to follow the Way of Jesus. And, as daunting as this may sound, I know that your passion for ministry, your demonstrated love for serving neighbors in need, and your willingness to “roll up your sleeves” and get to work in answering the call to ministry will see you through whatever challenges the future may hold.
I pray that you trust that the One who calls you into ministry also equips you for the work to which you have been called. When in doubt, return to the promise of Scripture. Before leaving his confused and fearful followers, the risen Jesus both comforts and commissions his disciples when he promises, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
You, my Spirit-filled siblings in Christ, are witnesses of these things. Be the church. Christ is with you.
In gratitude, love, and thanksgiving,
Pastor Jon