For Laura Nicholson, ministry began with a nudge.
A lifelong Lutheran, Laura never imagined her faith journey would take her from the pew to the pulpit. But with the encouragement of a trusted mentor and the prompting of the Holy Spirit, she stepped into leadership as a Synod Authorized Minister (SAM).
Today, Laura serves St. Paul Lutheran Church, Crossroads in Batesville, Indiana. In this Q&A, she shares what led her to ministry, the joys and challenges of serving as a SAM and why she encourages others to choose “faith over fear.”
Tell us a little about yourself and your faith journey.
My name is Laura Nicholson. I was born and raised in Richmond, Indiana. My faith journey began at St. John Lutheran Church in Richmond where I was baptized, confirmed, and married my husband of 41 years, Darrell. We have three children, and 7 grandchildren. As a youth, I was active in Sunday School, the youth group, and the children’s choir. I served as an acolyte, helped with VBS, kids’ Sunday School and the nursery. I attended Lutheran Hills Camp as well. My faith has always been an important part of my life, not only as a child growing up, but also when starting my family and raising my own children.
What led you to become a Synodical Authorized Minister?
I had been in conversation with Pastor Creighton Leptak about becoming a Lay Minister. I had great admiration for Pastor Creighton, so it was with his encouragement and guidance that I entered the Transformational Leadership Academy. (TLA) Not long after completing my studies, Pastor Creighton passed away suddenly. He was not only my Pastor; he was my mentor. To try, in some small way, to honor Pastor Creighton, and feeling the nudge of the Holy Spirit, when the opportunity was presented to become the Synod Authorized Minister (SAM) for our congregation, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and moved from the pew to the pulpit. And it has been the best decision for me. I have an extremely supportive staff, council and congregation.
Tell us about the congregation or ministry you serve.
The congregation here at St. Paul, Crossroads is very generous and supportive. We are a small rural church with a weekly attendance of around 50. The congregation of St. Paul Lutheran Church has been a part of this community for over 175 years. Our congregation helps to support many organizations throughout the community and Synod; ie…local food pantry, So Loved Closet serving the needs of foster families, local women’s shelter, school backpack program, Bread of Life, mission support, world hunger and disaster relief. We have partnered with Samaritans Purse in filling over 100 shoeboxes to be sent out to areas around the globe as part of the Operation Christmas Child Initiative.
What does your ministry look like on a typical week?
My typical week begins with daily devotions to center myself in God’s word to begin the day. I am in the office Monday thru Thursday supporting the office staff as well as the preschool staff. I participate in the weekly Conference Ministers’ Text Study, sermon prep, adult education prep, and anything else that needs to be done in preparation for Sunday Worship. My door is always open. When I am not in the office, I attend the local ministerium meetings and visit with shut-ins either at home, in the hospital, or nursing homes. I participate in our Women’s Bible Study, Stitching Blessings outreach group and choir.
What is one moment in ministry that has had a lasting impact on you?
One moment in ministry, although there have been many, that has had a lasting impact on me is the opportunity to baptize two of my grandchildren. Baptisms have always been special for me throughout my faith journey, but being able to baptize those grandchildren is definitely at the top of the list.
What are the greatest joys and challenges of serving as a SAM?
Being a SAM means I am serving my own congregation, the faith family that I have been with for many years. The relationship I have with them is on a different level than a minister who is called to a congregation. Family friendships had been formed prior to the leadership role that comes with being a SAM. So, I think the biggest challenge for me is having to do funerals for members of our congregation. With that being said, it is also one of the greatest joys. To be able to spend time with those family members as they grieve, to pray with them, talk about their loved one with them, learn from them, to listen, cry and laugh with them, is a very special time. Being able to reassure them that their loved one is not alone, no longer hurting, and is now with the one who has loved them like none other, is very rewarding for me. Walking that journey brings both challenges as well as unspeakable joy.
How have you seen God at work through your ministry?
God most definitely had a hand in my ability to recognize the Holy Spirit’s nudge to me to step out of my comfort zone and into this leadership role. It has changed my life in so many ways. My spiritual life is much richer now. I feel closer to God in every aspect of my life. This journey has given me the opportunity to serve in a way I would never have imagined, as well as to walk in faith with many friends, co-workers, and colleagues. I was one who would say that I struggled to hear when God would speak to me. Now, I see the works of his hand regularly through our congregation, and our community.
What hopes do you have for your congregation or ministry in the years ahead?
The hope that I have for our congregation is to continue being the church, doing the work that Jesus has asked us to do for the past 175 years. And when the right pastor is sent to us, my hope and prayer is that we embrace all that they have to offer, and that they will lead us as we continue our relationship with God and to carry out the mission we have set for our church. We are a family of believers who meet together to: enjoy life together, worship and learn about God, make a difference in the world.
What advice would you give to someone who feels called to ministry?
If it is something you are feeling God is calling you to do, pray about it, and take the time for discernment. Faith over fear! First of all, find a mentor. A mentor is someone who can answer your questions, encourage you, give you constructive criticism, and listen to your concerns. I have been blessed not only with Pastor Creighton as a mentor, but also Pastor Vicki Garber whom I met through Pastor Creighton. She plays an important part in all that I do through this ministry. Anyone who feels the call to ministry needs a Pastor Vicki. Also, Utilize the Synod resources, including the Synod staff. The continuing education programs that are offered are great resources.
Is there anything else you’d like people across the Indiana-Kentucky Synod to know about your ministry?
The use of a Synod Authorized Minister is an up-and-coming reality. The shortage of ordained pastors is real. I am not here to take the place of an ordained pastor. I am here to fill a temporary void in our congregation. I have been tasked with preaching the word of God, to provide leadership to our congregation, and to support the needs of this church family and community until the time a Pastor is called.
