Jerry Shetler, who served as FPC’s senior pastor from 1988 until his retirement in 1998, died March 11, 2025. Rev. Fred Horner, who served with Jerry, shares this remembrance.
When Jerry Shetler was called by God’s Spirit to be First Presbyterian Church’s ninth pastor, he was upfront with the congregation. He said, “I think of myself as a pastor who tries to bring a balanced approach to the ministry. I do not consider myself primarily as a preacher or a counselor or an educator or an administrator. My goal is a balanced ministry that encompasses all these facets.”
And he was true to that vision throughout his decade-long ministry. Jerry’s ministry will bear fruit for generations to come. Predecessors planted well (very well, some would say), Jerry watered, adding his own ingredients, and Jerry would the first to affirm, God provided the growth.
Worshipers during the Shetler era would probably admit they rarely remember Jerry’s sermons (in fact, how many of us really remember any preacher’s sermons?). But the fruit Jerry cultivated during his ministry that will be remembered was his presence at significant times in members’ life journeys. While he did provide a “balanced ministry” Jerry was first and foremost a pastor with a pastor’s heart. He had empathy. If you were in the hospital, Jerry was there with you. If someone in your family died, Jerry was there with you. If you intended to be married, through premarital counseling and the service itself, you felt you had been prepared for a life-long journey with the one you loved.
Jerry’s vision of ministry centered not so much about infrastructure (important as “decency and order” are to Presbyterians), but about ministering with people as the Body of Christ. He shepherded members through significant changes: in the way the congregation is governed; in the use of the church’s buildings as a means for ministry; for mission in the community, region, and globally; in ministries for all ages, especially youth.
When Jerry retired in 1998, the Session named the building at the corner of North Elm and Fisher Avenue, the “Shetler Building.” On the day of that dedication, Jerry said, “I think of myself as a pastor who tried to bring a balanced approach to the ministry. I do not consider myself primarily as a preacher or a counselor or an educator or an administrator. My goal was a balanced ministry that encompasses all these facets. I am humbled by what you have done, exceeded only by your gift of letting me be your pastor and your friend.”
See Jerry’s obituary here.
