Introducing Evangelist Rev. Kent L. Svendsen Ordained Minister of the Gospel; Army Chaplain Retired, Certified Counselor, Social Justice Advocate
September 30, 2018, begins a New Ministry in Northern Illinois and a New Chapter in the rich and varied ministry of Rev. Kent L. Svendsen.
Christ UM Church is honored to be the place for Pastor Kent Svendsen’s 1st Outreach Service as an Evangelist. We trust we will be first in a long line of churches and other public venues.
We are especially grateful for the ministry of music that he shared with us on August 26, our Circuit Rider Sunday Outdoor Worship.
Some of the Earlier Chapters in His Story:
…Served as an Army Reserve Chaplain from 1982 to 2009 (Retired at rank of Major)
…Served as a Church Pastor in the Northern Illinois Conference from 1988 to 2018
…Graduate of Judson College and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, with Post Graduate Studies in personality development as relates to nature, nurture, environment, and experience
…Suicide Prevention Trainer for the United States Army (14 years)
…Creator of professional suicide prevention video commissioned by Northern Illinois Conference: “Suicide Takes Another Life”
…Extensive Experience working with veterans and with victims of sexual abuse, addiction, PTSD, trauma and neglect
…Advisor and Board Member: Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, a school within the Department of Defense which trains police, military, and civilian authorities from Central and South American and Caribbean countries in leadership skills and in the principles of democracy and human rights protection.
…Named “Ambassador of Good Will” by Colonel Felix L. Santiago, Commandant, Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation
…Founder: Partners in Christian Mission (Mission Work in Panama)
…Founder and Board Member: Kendall County Homeless Center Corporation, offering counseling and transitional housing for homeless veterans and single mothers
…He and wife Paula share retirement in Ottawa, IL on their small farm.
Some of the Encouragements for this New Chapter:
Dear Kent,
Thank you so much for sharing your ministry and calling with us.
I pray that God will lead you through many doors in order to spread the message of salvation which is totally a gift for all.
As United Methodists, we are called to do some transformational work in making disciples. As God continues to transform you, may your ministry efforts transform others.
Rev. Darneather Murph-Heath, Elgin District Superintendent
Kent,
Thank you for …your openness and interest in sharing the gospel through evangelistic efforts across our annual conference….
May God bless you with an evangelistic message of hope and grace!
Bishop Sally Dyck, Northern Illinois Conference