Russell S Hershberger-Beier

I chose to become an ordained minister because Christian ministry has been an important part of my life for more than 35 years. My faith journey has included service, study, leadership, prayer ministry, pastoral care, community outreach, and Christian education across several denominational traditions. Online ordination provided a formal way to recognize and continue a calling to ministry that had already been developing throughout most of my adult life. My ministry experience began within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), where I served as a Sunday School teacher, sang in the church choir, and participated in ecumenical ministry activities. Those early experiences established a strong foundation in Christian service and taught me the importance of supporting both the spiritual life of the congregation and the needs of the broader community. I later became involved in a nondenominational Pentecostal church influenced by Kenneth Hagin Ministries and Rhema Bible Training College in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. During that period, I served on prayer ministry teams before and after worship services, assisted with baptismal ministry, and participated in ecumenical, outreach, and church-building activities. I also pursued Bible and ministry training connected with the Rhema tradition. For approximately two years, I attended a United Pentecostal International Church, where I received ministry instruction under Pastor Scott L. Hues. My training expanded my understanding of Pentecostal theology and ministry and included biblical teaching related to baptism, communion, prayer, spiritual gifts, care of the congregation, the ministry of the Word, and other areas of Pentecostal Christian practice. I later entered the Roman Catholic Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and remained active within the Catholic faith for nearly 25 years. During that time, I served as a Eucharistic Minister and received formal training for that responsibility. One of the most meaningful parts of this ministry was serving people who were homebound, living in nursing facilities, seriously ill, or approaching the end of life. I assisted in bringing the Eucharist to those unable to attend Mass and spent time praying with and supporting individuals and families during difficult circumstances. My Catholic ministry also included extensive involvement with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. I served as a Vincentian Secretary and participated actively in the organization's charitable and community-service mission. I was involved during the development of the new St. Vincent de Paul facility in Oshkosh and supported efforts associated with its nonprofit mission. Working directly with individuals and families experiencing financial hardship, housing concerns, illness, and other crises strengthened my belief that Christian ministry must respond to practical human needs as well as spiritual ones. After nearly 25 years in the Roman Catholic Church, I returned to the ELCA following my marriage to my husband, Daniel, because the Catholic Church did not recognize our marriage. I subsequently became involved with First English Lutheran Church in Appleton, Wisconsin, where I have continued my Christian faith journey within the Lutheran tradition. Throughout the past several decades, I have also maintained strong connections with Pentecostal and charismatic Christian ministry. I have participated in continuing ministry education, conferences, prayer and healing instruction, and Christian leadership development through Rhema-related ministries and Valley Harvest Church in Neenah, Wisconsin, under the ministry leadership of Sherry and Vital Torres. These experiences have included prayer and healing school, biblical instruction, ministry conferences, and other opportunities for spiritual and ministerial development. I remain committed to continuing my biblical and theological education through correspondence courses and other ministry training. I believe effective ministry requires lifelong learning, humility, responsible leadership, and a willingness to keep growing in one's understanding of Scripture, theology, communication, and pastoral care. My formal education has also strengthened my ability to serve and lead. I completed an associate degree through Fox Valley Technical College and a Bachelor of Applied Studies in Organizational Leadership through the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. My studies in leadership, organizational development, communication, conflict resolution, and working effectively with people complement the practical ministry experience I have developed over more than three decades. I did not pursue ordination simply for a title. I pursued it as a natural extension of decades of Christian service, education, prayer ministry, sacramental ministry, community outreach, and care for people during difficult moments in their lives. Ordination gives me another way to continue serving with responsibility, compassion, and respect. My ministry philosophy is centered on meeting people where they are, treating every person with dignity, listening before judging, praying with those who desire prayer, helping people in practical ways, and demonstrating the love and compassion of Christ through both words and actions. After more than 35 years of involvement in Christian ministry, I continue to believe that ministry is fundamentally about service. My goal is to use the experience, education, and training I have received to encourage others, support those in need, and continue growing as a responsible and compassionate Christian minister.

Oshkosh, WI

What I hope to gain from this experience is continued spiritual growth, deeper biblical knowledge, and additional preparation to serve others more effectively in ministry. After more than 35 years of involvement in Christian service, I believe ministry is a lifelong process of learning, reflection, and growth. I want to strengthen my understanding of Scripture, theology, pastoral care, prayer, leadership, and the practical responsibilities that come with serving people during important moments in their lives. I also hope to become better prepared to support individuals and families who may be experiencing illness, grief, hardship, spiritual questions, or major life transitions. My goal is not simply to hold the title of ordained minister. I want to continue developing the knowledge, judgment, compassion, and leadership skills necessary to serve others responsibly and respectfully. I also hope this experience will help me bring together my many years of ministry involvement, community service, professional leadership experience, and continuing education into a more focused and meaningful ministry. Ultimately, I hope to become a stronger servant leader who can meet people where they are, listen without judgment, provide spiritual encouragement, and demonstrate the love of Christ through both words and actions.

ELCA Lutheran First English Appleton, WI

What makes my ceremonies special is that I approach marriage as a sacred covenant before God. I strive to create a ceremony grounded in Scripture, prayer, love, and commitment, while honoring the couple’s unique relationship and faith. My goal is to help each couple begin their marriage with Christ at the center and with a strong spiritual foundation for their life together.

I primarily serve Oshkosh, Appleton, the Fox Cities, Fond du Lac, Green Bay, and surrounding communities throughout northeastern Wisconsin. I am also willing to travel beyond the immediate area when arrangements can be made in advance. My goal is to provide dependable, professional, and compassionate ministry wherever I am called to serve.

In addition to officiating weddings, I have started Refined Reverend Fire, a faith-based ministry focused on prayer, biblical encouragement, spiritual growth, and serving people with compassion. My goal is to provide ministry that is grounded in Scripture and centered on Christ, while being available to individuals and families during both joyful celebrations and difficult seasons of life. I believe ministry is ultimately about serving others and sharing the love, hope, and grace of Jesus Christ.