This is the second in a series focusing on clergy in the Ada Icon community. Darlene Bowers compiles the interviews.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39.
This powerful affirmation of God’s love is one of Pastor Trent Boedicker’s favorite Bible passages. Read on to discover other favorite passages and to learn more about this Ada grad and the Ada church he serves.
Pastor Trent Boedicker
Grace Gospel Church
321 N. Gilbert Street
Ada
www.AdaGraceGospelChurch.org
Tell us what degrees earned and from which where:
I graduated from Ada High School in 1994, and attended Grace Bible College, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from 1994-2000 graduating with a Bachelor of Theology, with an emphasis in Pastoral Ministry.
How long have you served in the minstry?
I've been in the ministry for almost 16 years.
Where besides Ada have you pastored? P
I had the opportunity to do a six-month internship at Mountain View Bible Church in Post Falls, Idaho. Since then I have served as the pastor at Grace Gospel Church in Ada
How did you choose to be a clergyperson?
There were several factors that led me towards pastoral ministry. I grew up in church, and it was always an important part of my life. My parents were both active and involved in the life of our church in different ways, and our family was almost always there, sitting in the pews, on Sunday morning. It was positive.
They didn't bring us out of a sense of duty or obligation, but because they enjoyed spending time in God's presence worshiping with our church family. That attitude was contagious.
I received Christ as my Savior at an early age and knew that I wanted to serve Him in some way. I wasn't sure just how, and I was so quiet and shy that I couldn't have imagined myself standing in front of a group of people to preach a sermon, but in some way I wanted the Lord to use me to share His love with others.
I had many great role models to look up to, including two uncles who became pastors. I always appreciated their wisdom and caring heart. The pastor of my church when I was in junior high and high school was also a major influence in my life.
I remember how he drove me to Michigan so I could attend a youth event at Grace Bible College. When I wasn't sure which direction to take in my life he encouraged me to trust the Lord for guidance. I decided to attend GBC because I wanted to grow closer to the Lord and deepen my understanding of God's Word. In times of uncertainty, or when I was struggling through some adversity, God's Word always had the answers that I needed.
I wanted to be able to share the timeless truth of Scripture with others. I met my wife, Charity, in college, and she has been a great partner and support in the ministry.
What are your favorite roles, duties and tasks of being a clergyperson?
One of the exciting things about ministry is that each day is a little different. There are always new challenges and opportunities. I really enjoy visiting people. There have been many times when I have gone to see someone in the nursing home or in the hospital, hoping to be an encouragement to them, but when I left that place I was the one who had been encouraged.
I also enjoy the time I get to spend preparing for sermons and lessons. The great thing about Scripture is that no matter how many times you have studied a passage, there is always something new to learn.
It is incredible how the Bible is still just as relevant to our lives today as ever. Our world may look very different from ancient Israel, but human beings continue to struggle with the same basic problems, and we have the same spiritual needs.
What is the most challenging part of being a clergyperson?
One of the most difficult aspects of ministry is how busy your schedule can become. There is always a project to finish, or a meeting to attend, or a lesson to write. Pastors can have a difficult time saying no, when there are so many worthy ministries with which one can get involved.
What sermon topic or message always excites you to share it.
One of my favorite topics is the attributes of God. It is one of those subjects that you could study forever. We did a series last year looking at a different characteristic of God each week (God is infinite, unchanging, good, all-powerful, holy, loving, beautiful...).
Even though our study had lasted for several months, I was sad when it came to a close. As we grow in our walk with God, it is wonderful to see how our character changes, so that we begin to reflect His heart more and more in our lives.
What do you feel is the greatest strength of your congregation?
I think our church's greatest strength is how warm and caring the people are. When someone is hurting or going through a difficult time, they are there to rally around each other with prayers, cards, or phone calls. They really know what it means to "rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." We enjoy spending time together, not just on Sunday morning, but also through potlucks or fellowship events.
What makes your congregation unique, different or special?
There are a lot of things that make our church special, but something I really appreciate is our strong children's ministries. We have a wonderful "Coached by Christ" children's club that meets each week during the fall and winter months, and our Vacation Bible School is always awesome. Our leaders put a lot of energy and work into it. Whatever the theme for VBS happens to be, the whole church is transformed. It is always fun.
Sare your best or most memorable clergy moment.
One of the best moments, as a pastor, is attending the baccalaureate service at the end of the school year and seeing graduates, who have been a part of our children's and youth ministry, reading Scripture, singing, or giving the prayer. I am always so proud of them, to see them living out their faith.
What motivates you?
The love of Christ motivates me in ministry. I want everyone to know how cherished they are and how passionate God is for them.
Tell us about some of your hobbies and interests.
Some of my hobbies and interests include: cooking, playing at the park with our kids, playing Mario Kart on the Wii with our kids. I enjoy technology and have had fun learning the basics of designing and maintaining a website.
What is your favorite Bible verses?
Some of my favorite verses include Hebrews 4:14-16; Philippians 2:5-11; and Romans 8:38-39
What qualities would your congregation say are your strengths?
I think the church would say that I really care about people, and I always try to be there when someone needs help.
What would your congregation be amused to learn about you?
A funny story, that people might find amusing, has to do with the first time I served communion during my internship. I understood how meaningful and serious our observance of the Lord’s Supper is, and I didn't want to mess anything up, especially since I had only been at the church for a very short time.
I was still getting to know the people and wanted to make a favorable impression. I was already sweating before standing up in front of the congregation. In the churches I had attended, I was used to passing plates with the bread already cut into little cubes. However, this church practiced communion a little differently, using a whole loaf.
I read the passage: "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.'" I broke the loaf of bread in half and looked down for plates to put the halves into before giving them to the servers, but there weren't any to be found.
I glanced under the table, but there was nothing there. I stood frozen, not sure quite what to do. It didn't occur to me that I didn't need to put the bread into anything, I was just supposed to give each half to the servers as it was.
After several moments of awkward silence, someone whispered, "just pass the bread." It all worked out, and I was thankful that the people of the congregation were very gracious.
