August 31, Normal, IL – The Church Life Team (CLT) granted the credential of License Toward Ordination to Eric Potter and Brian Veeder. In separate interviews, both pastors spent time with the CLT, answering questions related to their call to ministry, theology, pastoral practices, self-care, Anabaptist/Mennonite history, and gifts/skills in ministry. 

Eric Potter shared his journey with Jesus and how it led him to Metamora Mennonite Church at this time. He demonstrated a deep commitment to Jesus and His church, and to racial reconciliation as an outgrowth of that faith. He engages others in order to learn and grow as a husband, father, and pastor. 

Caption from left to right: Doug Roth, Eric Potter, Curt Fenton

Brian Veeder shared his journey from a childhood spent at Maple Lawn Homes visiting family to his current role of Pastor of Maple Lawn Fellowship. God’s call on Brian has emerged over a lifetime of rootedness in the Mennonite Church – starting at East Bend Mennonite Church.

Caption from left to right: Charlotte Lehman, Brian Veeder, Curt Fenton, Doug Roth

Both Eric and Brian demonstrate that God continues to call persons to ministry in God’s church, equips them for the ministry before them, and empowers them by the Spirit to walk faithfully into that call. Please pray for Eric and Brian as they grow in their respective ministries. If you’d like to hear more of their stories, please contact them. 

A license towards ordination is a “license granted for the purpose of discerning ministerial gifts, abilities, and aptitude – usually for a minimum of two years. It can be renewed for an additional term if more time for discernment is needed, unless the person moves to ordination or the assignment ends.

Both interviews were conducted by Kurt Fenton, Charlotte Lehman, Ann Munley (via Skype), Doug Roth, and Michael Danner. A special thank you to Mennonite Church of Normal for allowing us to use their conference room and for administrative support during our interviews.