What It Takes: A day with a pastor

So I have to say "April Fools!" Last month I ended my article by saying I was going to interview someone that I didn't know. But I had a really great chance to interview someone I know and I couldn't pass it up. Maybe you know her too!

Natasha Kolles has been a pastor for almost nine years. Eight of those years she spent as the pastor at the Sheyenne-Oberon Area Ministry. Now she works at Zion Lutheran Church in Minot. I have seen pastors doing their job at churches and funerals. I thought it would be a very easy job, leading worships and talking to people.

I had the chance to observe Pastor Natasha leading worship at her church. My mom called this "participant observation." I learned a lot about Pastor Natasha by observing her in her natural setting and participating in the activities. I even sat in the front row. That was kind of weird because I was the only one, until my mom finally came up from the back row and sat next to me.

Overall it was pretty great. I was surprised at how much technology was used in the worship service. She used a projector to put the hymns on the screen, and also played video they had previously recorded. It was a special performance on a "shadow-screen" about the Good Samaritan. The most surprising thing to hear was that the worship was streaming on YouTube. I also got to taste wine for the first time during communion and to see and hear Pastor Natasha sing!

There are many types of churches that a pastor can work at or "be called to." Each church has its own unique ways of worship. There are also different requirements for pastors to work there. Some churches require study at a four-year bible college to become a pastor, while others need study at a four-year college and then more time at a seminary.

Pastor Natasha studied theatre at Minnesota State University in Moorhead and also met her husband Jared there. While studying theatre, she gained skills needed to be on stage, which prepared her to stand, talk and even sing in front of a crowd. She later went to seminary to learn how to lead a church.

Natasha said some churches have rules that only allow men to be pastors, which was surprising to me. I think women can be really good listeners and have a lot of compassion. Both of these are really important because pastors also have to talk with people about some pretty serious topics.

When I asked Pastor Nastasha what she loves about her job, she says it is walking with others during difficult times. She loves hearing people's stories and helping them even when they are sad, grieving or ill. During the worship service, she took the time to visit and build connections with the people who came to her church.

It sure takes a lot more to be a pastor than what I expected. It's a good thing they have God on their side!