Now that you've stumbled onto this blog it is probably time I introduced myself. My name is Eric Nygren (that's my picture you're looking at by the way). I'm a husband, father of three girls, and a pastor. I serve at a small church in rural Iowa called Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church.
My wife and I are originally from Columbus, Ohio. Though both of our degrees came from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio (mine in Philosophy), we are both Ohio State Buckeyes at heart.
During our six years in Chicago, Illinois we both became lovable losers and loyal Cubs fans. I also managed to complete an M.Div. degree at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. It was in Chicago that my addiction to books was born.
Now we live in Iowa, the site of my first pastoral call. It has been challenging at times but I've loved every minute of it. It has been a real learn-as-you-go experience, but with much grace from my congregation I've been allowed to live out my calling.
about the blog
Calling is a funny word. It means different things to different people. Often times you will hear people speak about their "divine calling" even if it has nothing to do with ministry.
Specifically this blog is dedicated to the call to pastoral ministry. At the present time God has called me to serve as a solo pastor. As much as I wish that had something to with Han Solo, what it really means is that at my church I wear all the hats. I preach, I counsel, I shepherd, and I disciple. I marry, I bury, I dedicate, and I baptize. I even play a little guitar.
The funny thing that's what ministry seems to be all about: wearing whatever hat God calls you to wear at any given time. So this blog is all about cultivation. just because I can identify my calling doesn't mean that I'm fully equipped to do it.
So for all of you who have been called to pastoral ministry (and for those that have a heart for the church) welcome to one new branch. May God use it to help us to grow and to cultivate the call one branch at a time.
