By Jim Ranney
I have been feeling led by the Holy Spirit for quite some time to work toward being ordained as a Lutheran Pastor. I have served in a variety of ministries since my college years at UW-Stevens Point (1990-1994). I have been blessed to serve in several Lutheran Outdoor Ministries and Lutheran churches over the past 25 years. Each place has given me new opportunities, ideas and experiences. I have been so very blessed to meet and work with so many wonderful people along the way. All of these experiences have shown me that the “Body of Christ” is huge!
Maria and I moved to the Madison area in 2004 to start a family and begin a new ministry at ELC in Mt. Horeb (2004-2013) and for both of us to accept a career opportunity.
In addition to ELC, I have been blessed to serve in some wonderful ELCA congregations, including Trinity in Stevens Point, Faith Lutheran in Valders, Grace Lutheran Church in Monroe, and Two Steeples Parish in Mt. Horeb.
God has continued to put me in ministries at the right time and in the right place, and I simply trust and believe that the Lord works things out, just as they need to be worked out, in all of our lives. It seems like a short time since I began serving at Two Steeples Parish in December 2017. We have been through much together already!
I really have enjoyed my time working with Pastor Jeff, Pastor Jerry, and Pastors Linda and Loren. It has been this journey working with all the wonderful youth and family members of Two Steeples Parish and this Interim journey that I have felt strongly connected, and felt I was being called to the Two Steeples congregation and ministry.
I believe my long-connected roots from growing up on a family dairy farm near Barneveld, my love for the people, the land, and small town/rural ministries in Southwest Wisconsin make this a great fit for us to continue doing ministry together.
With time, prayer and the help of the Lord, I believe we can and will continue to do some wonderful ministries together!
