This Sunday we celebrate a New Ministry in the Northern Illinois Conference and a New Chapter in the rich and varied ministry of Rev. Kent L. Svendsen: Ordained Minister; Army Chaplain Retired (Major), Certified Counselor, Social Justice Advocate. We are honored to be one of the first churches to host Pastor Svendsen’s Service of Evangelist Outreach.
Previous Chapters in his ministry include:
…Army Reserve Chaplain 1982 to 2009
…Church Pastor in Northern Illinois Conference 1988 to 2018
…Graduate of Judson College, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Post Graduate Studies in personality development as relates to nature, nurture, environment, and experience
…Extensive work with veterans and victims of sexual abuse, addiction, PTSD, trauma and neglect
…Suicide Prevention Trainer for the US Army (14 years)
…Creator of suicide prevention video commissioned by Northern Illinois Conference: “Suicide Takes Another Life”
…Advisor and Board Member: Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, a school within the Department of Defense which trains police, military, and civilian authorities in Latin American countries in leadership skills and principles of democracy and human rights protection. Named “Ambassador of Good Will” by Commandant.
…Founder: Partners in Christian Mission (Panama)
…Founder and Board Member: Kendall County Homeless Center Corporation, offering counseling and transitional housing for homeless veterans and single mothers
On a More Personal Note:
…Pastor Ron and CUMC are especially grateful for the ministry of music that he shared with us on August 26, our Circuit Rider Sunday Outdoor Worship.
…Svendsen’s presence makes it possible for Pastor Ron to participate in another connectional ministry this Sunday morning at Gary Memorial UMC in Wheaton.
Supportive Words for this new Ministry:
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
Kent and Paula Svendsen share retirement in Ottawa on small farm. Paula’s own list of accomplishments include Musical Director and Accompanist (for numerous churches, schools, and local and district United Methodist Women), Choir Director, Piano and Voice Instructor, Certified Lay Speaker (also Trained in Storytelling Specialty), and Musical Director for many Community Theaters, as well as Actress and Creator of Musical Reviews.