Pastoral Ministries - Student Profile - Tony Doehrmann

Tony Doehrmann
Freshman, Pastoral Ministries
Archbold, Ohio

Where did you live and what did you do before coming to Hesston for the Pastoral Ministries program?
We lived on my wife's home farm northwest of Archbold Ohio. I worked at Sauder Woodworking Company for more than 19 years. When I left the company I was serving in the role of department manager.

What was it like to go from the work world and life in Archbold to being a student and living in Hesston?
In some ways the transition seemed fairly smooth. Going to college is challenging, but has not been as stressful as the working world. I did wonder whether I would be able to learn and retain what the professors were teaching. I was pleasantly surprised when I began to understand how to study and prepare for class. Our family resided in the Archbold area all our lives, so this was a major step leaving our families and friends behind. Moving into a new community was somewhat intimidating, learning new names and faces, looking for a church, and beginning to develop new friendships. The community has been extremely gracious, working hard to make us feel welcome, bringing food to the house, and enduring endless questions from us.

How does your home congregation support you in your education?
Our Pastor was instrumental in developing a pastoral training fund to provide assistance for insurance costs and housing for anyone engaged in training for ministry. Before we left we chose prayer partners and they have stayed in touch, encouraging us along the way. We also received a financial gift from a student aid fund at the church that helps with our tuition.

Tell me a little about your family--how are they adjusting to life in a new place?
I moved here with my wife Ronda, and 16-year-old son Eli. Ronda has really embraced the area and the people. She loves the sunshine that Kansas provides. She has met many new people through the childcare center where she works. It was more difficult for Eli to leave the Archbold school system as he had developed good friendships there. The students at Hesston High School have worked hard to help Eli feel welcome. He became involved in the football program and is currently playing basketball. Eli has also become part of a local church youth group and participates in the activities they offer. It is a different experience from the Archbold community and he misses his friends there.

What are your favorite classes? Why are they your favorites?
My favorite classes this last term were Biblical Literature and Pastoral Care and Leadership. I enjoyed them because they provided tools I can use as I move into pastoral ministry. The Bib. Lit. class enables a person to view the Bible as a whole story and not just chapters or verses here and there. This brings a new understanding about the way in which God was at work throughout the biblical story and in our own stories. Our Pastoral Care and Leadership class was the only class made up entirely of pastoral ministry students. This provided an opportunity to listen to one another describe how each had responded in various situations. We also were given the freedom to dialogue with and challenge one another at various points along the way.

What is formation seminar?
Formation Seminar is a weekly meeting with two of the Bible department professors and the PM students who began college last fall. This year the formation seminars included spouses also. Each of us shares our pilgrimage at some point. We may also bring praises, or prayer concerns to share with each other, although this is not required. The group listens to one another and works hard to support each member. It has been a very good support group for my wife and me and has enabled us to develop deeper relationships with persons who are walking similar paths.

How would you describe the professors in the program?
I would describe the professors I have encountered as extremely gracious. I had an accident about the middle of the semester and missed some classes. As a result I fell behind on my work. Rather than applying pressure, they worked with me to enable me to catch up. The professors truly enjoy teaching, and they work hard to bring life experiences into the classroom. They teach what they believe to be true, but leave room for those who might not agree with their perspective.

What do you think of the program so far?
I am really enjoying the program at Hesston. I find it energizing to learn again, to broaden my understanding, and feel as though I am being equipped for a future in pastoral ministry. I am learning from Bible and Ministry professors who were pastors themselves at one time. This brings an enormous amount of practical knowledge to the program. I have really enjoyed getting to know other students, both traditional and non-traditional.