The Second Career Pastor

Rev. Dr. John Obeng is the Resident Pastor of New Life International United Methodist Church in Alexandria, VA. In his first career, John had a career as a manager for a cleaning supply company in Ghana and other parts of West Africa. He and his family came to the United States in 2007, and he worked in a similar industry in a sales role before responding to his calling into ministry.

Sherry has a unique background for the definition of a “Second Career Pastor.” Instead of working for Corporate America or as an educator, attorney, or in medicine, Sherry is a military spouse. She has supported her husband, Andrew, and his career in the Marine Corps. She shares how supporting him and their family with the constant moving and all that comes with it can be overwhelming and exciting...

Mac McKenney spent a number of years working on Capitol Hill for members of the House of Representatives and then as a Lobbyist. He earned his MDiv. from Wesley Theological Seminary in 2018 and is currently serving as an Associate Pastor at Springfield UMC in Springfield, VA. In this episode, we explore the tools that Mac brings with him from his previous career in politics and how they have helpe...

Ministry was not Matt’s first career. He was in law enforcement for twenty years, taking an early retirement from the City of Falls Church as a Police Captain to answer the call to ministry. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Towson University, a Certification of Police Principals at The Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy, and a Master of Divinity degree at Wesley Theological Semina...

My friend Katie Phillips has a real cool background. She worked in comedy and specifically improv comedy. She has been a Theater Performer, Artistic Director and even followed her first dream of being a H.S. English Teacher in her hometown. Along the way, she was involved in church and through a couple of wonderful mentors and colleagues, she followed her heart for minsitry through her passion of...

Brad Duty, Ret. Col. USAF, had a decorated 30+ year career with the United States Air Force. He shares his background from his military career, including a compelling story of what 9/11 looked like for him inside the Pentagon. After his military career and spending time as a Government Contractor, he worked in Financial Advising with a focus on helping people with long-term care and Annuities. Aft...

Chip shares his experiences as an educator for 30 years as a Teacher (1st - 3rd grades for 16 years) and as a Principal (14 years). Chip also has experience as a performer as a member of a band, The Windbags. He will share these experiences and how they helped him transition into ministry. Chip currently serves as one of the Pastors at St. Matthew's UMC in Richmond, VA, and is starting a new churc...

I had the pleasure of working with Lauren Holtkamp-Sterling for four years when I worked for the NBA as a Courtside Administrator in Referee Operations. During our time, we had several conversations about my journey through seminary and into ministry as a Second Career Pastor. I learned that she received her MDiv. from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. After steppi...

Before responding to her call to the ministry, Sarah was a lawyer specializing in handling the legal needs of businesses. She transitioned to ministry and has been a pastor, now serving as the District Superintendent of the Mountain View District of the Virginia Annual Conference. In this first episode of The Second Career Pastor, we will learn what tools Sarah brought with her to ministry and sha...