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Ronald C. Spore
(Pastor Ron) |
For as long as I can remember -- going back to preschool days -- I wanted to be a minister. I also wanted to be a doctor. These two personal goals come from the influence of the pastor of the church where I first attended Sunday School and worship, and our family physician. I can remember always wanting to help other people and thought those two professionals were the best. I wanted to be like them. For years, I wanted to combine those interests and planned to attend medical school and seminary and become a medical missionary.
My interest in helping others never changed, though it grew and matured over the years. In high school, I was known as the person anyone could go to with a problem and get a fair hearing and a compassionate ear. In college, I discovered the disciplines of philosophy and theology in a new way, and four professors only reinforced my joy in wrestling with the big questions of life. |
In seminary, I discovered and was
drawn to pastoral psychology, which became the answer to how I would satisfy my longing to combine medicine and ministry. Through pastoral psychology and counseling, I have practiced a kind of healing ministry, ranging from individuals, couples, and families ... to the local church and corporations. The churches I have served since returning to the parish in East Ohio each had gone through troubled times just before my appointments, and I have been able to help in the healing process. I continue to realize great satisfaction in helping heal wounds and conflicts, both individual and corporate.
I have been viewed as a "workaholic," sometimes neglecting my personal needs, which I would view as spending quality time with my family, and taking time for more relaxed reflection and recreation, including more golf. At the same time, I still have in mind completing my doctorate, which does allow for accomplishing some of those personal needs.
I plan to continue serving in the pastorate for as long as is possible, and would expect to retire formally at the mandatory age of 70. I cannot imagine not serving the church and the world in some continuous way for as long as health permits. Having a six-year old daughter is another great motivator, and I want to watch her grow and develop her talents for as long as I can, helping her with all that is within me. |
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Howland United Methodist Church
730 Howland Wilson Rd NE
Warren, OH 44484
Phone: 330-856-3463
Fax: 330-856-7037
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