Jeremy Ashley isn't new to Trinity. In fact, he and his family have been at Trinity for nearly a decade. He was called to Trinity to serve as the Minister to Families with Young Children and spent most of his time making connections through the Early Childhood Center. On Sunday, Sept. 18, Trinity called him to a new position--Pastor of Youth and Families. 

Pastor Jeremy has spent several years studying to become a pastor as part of the Specific Ministry Pastor program through Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. 

According to Michigan District President David Maier, participants in the SMP program are selected based on gifts that others recognize in them. 

"You've been recognized by the church, and that the Council of Presidents serving as the Board of Placements is now going to place you here, and has, at Trinity Lutheran Clinton Township," said Maier, during the ordination. "What a joy and a privilege." 

After several years of coursework under the mentorship of Pastor Ken Wise, Pastor Jeremy was ordained on Sept. 18. The service included Trinity's pastors, Maier, Pastor Brian, who served at Trinity for several years, and other local pastors who came to provide advice and pray over Pastor Jeremy. 

Maier explained that ordination in the church means the individual has been prepared for the Office of the Holy Ministry. He echoed Pastor Ken's sermon remarks that just because one is ordained doesn't mean they are the only ones that can spread the word of God. 

"All of us are sent by God to wherever God places us. What Jeremy now fulfills, he will publicly because able to minister the gifts of grace because you have called him to do so," said Maier. 

It wasn't until recently that Pastor Jeremy knew he was being called to this role. 

During last Friday's school morning announcements, Pastor Jeremy told the kids that he started thinking about becoming a pastor when he was in college, however he was really just learning about Jesus because he didn't grow up in a Christian home. 

"I was still learning a lot of things about what it meant to be a follower of Jesus. I just wasn't ready for that. I didn't really feel God calling me to do that. It wasn't until just a couple of years ago when we first started having a conversation about it that I felt God call me onto that path," said Pastor Jeremy.

As part of the ordination service, each of the pastors, including the visiting pastors, shared an encouraging Bible verse and joined the congregation in praying over Pastor Jeremy. After the ordination process, Maier also presided over the installation of Pastor Jeremy as Trinity's Pastor for Youth and Families. 

While the ordination is over, Pastor Jeremy said he still has about a year-and-a-half of classes to take. 

See images from the ordination in our gallery

2022-Jeremy Ashley Ordination