Pastor Ingrid Chenoweth

Pastor Ingrid Chenoweth is a rostered minister in the VA synod. She received her theological education at  Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, a master’s degree in teaching at Queens University in Charlotte, NC, and a bachelor’s degree in German language from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA.

She has served in various ministry capacities, including:

• Director of Youth and Family Ministry for 3 years at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in NC
• Full time pastor for 5 years at Salisbury Lutheran Parish in Salisbury, PA
• Chaplain at Valley Health in Winchester for 1 year
• Pastor for 7 years at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Front Royal
• Currently she is teaching 7^th grade life science in the Warren County School system

 The following are shared from Pastor Chenoweth’s ministry profile:

 Thoughts on Preaching / Worship Leadership

Worship is the most important element of pastoral ministry. Sunday worship is the heart our lives as Christians; it forms our identity and gives us focus, direction and energy for our vocations lived out Monday through Saturday. Since beginning my call at my first parish, the Salisbury Lutheran Parish, I have consistently sought to bring excellence to all parts of worship. This parish required four different worship styles - each church's choice of setting was a reflection of the unique character and context of that congregation. At the Salisbury parish I also developed a new Sunday evening worship service whose music was led by an ecumenical bluegrass band. This service grew and provided a context for nurturing two leaders who now serve as the equivalent of SAMS (synodically authorized leaders) in the Allegheny Synod.

 Thoughts on Youth and Family Ministry

I began my ministry in the church serving as full-time Director of Youth and Family Ministry at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Youth Ministry has always been at the heart of my ministry, and I continue to learn and be formed by my experiences teaching middle school. In the parishes I've served, I've taught all ages of Christian education, and involved youth in participating in and leading worship, traveling to Nat. Youth Gathering, camp, and being a part of their daily lives.

 Thoughts on Ministry with Seniors

The Seniors in congregations are so often our go-to folks for the vital ministries that churches do. Retired folks are skilled, passionate and often available for all kinds of things, from mission construction projects to providing meals and a listening ear during funeral dinners. I seek to support seniors by first helping to create a healthy worshiping community, and through bringing people with different skills and interests together for various ministry opportunities in our community. My experience as an EMT with the local ambulance service in Pennsylvania taught me a great deal about the health care needs of seniors.

Thoughts on Pastoral Care and Visitation

Visiting members of the church has always kept me connected to their lives, both in times of struggle and in times of joy. It's a privilege for me to be a part of their lives during critical times, and I seek during those times to remind them of Jesus' promise made in Matthew 28:20 - "I am with you always." I genuinely enjoy visiting with people and consider pastoral care a priority in my ministry.