Pastor Schaaf found a church, home where he can connect
PORT CLINTON — When Pastor Jarrod Schaaf felt God was calling him to step away from his former church in North Robinson and search for another congregation to lead, he hoped to find one where he could do what he had never been able to do since he was ordained in 2009: become ingrained in the community he was serving.
He found that congregation when he became the new pastor of St. John Lutheran Church on Sept. 1.
Schaaf was happy serving his former church, which he had pastored for eight years, but the timing was right to make a change.
“I was listening to the Holy Spirit to see if it was time for me to move on, and, more and more, I felt the inclination that this was the plan for us,” he said.
Pastor's wife connected to Northwestern Ohio Synod
Schaaf’s wife, Sarah, also is in ministry. She is the director of community engagement for the Northwestern Ohio Synod and also serves the national church as an area director of Evangelical Mission. The Schaafs have two children, Isaac, 11, and Zoe, 9.
“I was looking for an opening where I could do what I want to do in ministry, and that is to be engaged in the community,” Schaaf said. “I’ve not had the chance to live in and be a part of the community I’m serving. I’ve always lived about a half hour away. To really be on the ground and do ministry, you need to be a part of the community.”
Schaaf also was looking for a hometown that would provide activities his children were passionate about.
“We were taking them from their friends and their routines, so we were looking for someplace that offered things they are already interested in. Port Clinton had all those opportunities,” he said.
While in talks with church leadership about the position, Schaaf discovered St. John Lutheran already was committed to community connection.
Schaaf looking to build on St. John's existing connections
“Even during COVID, the church found a way to stay engaged and even do new things, which was really unique,” Schaaf said.
Now Schaaf is looking for ways to build on that foundation.
“My biggest goal is to listen to the people in the community to see what the needs are and what people are passionate about. I’m looking for ways to go out and be with people where they’re already at,” he said. “As for inside the church, I’m looking at revitalizing what people were doing before COVID and finding out what is life-giving to them, such as social gatherings and Bible studies.”
Schaaf’s first major community project is a Nov. 14 spaghetti dinner fundraiser for victims of Hurricane Ian. Sit down and drive-thru dinners will be available.
“We have lots of folks with properties down there,” Schaaf said. “We’re water people, so from lake to gulf, we’re going to help.”
If a man wearing a pair of pink Converse was spotted walking around Port Clinton in October, it was likely Schaaf, who wears the shoes every October in honor of his mother, a cancer survivor.
“My brother and I wear pink Converse shoes. Anytime someone points them out, I make a $5 donation to Cleveland Clinic,” Schaaf said. “That is where my mom went to have her treatments and where she became a survivor.”
Schaaf said he is grateful for the welcome his family has received from the church and the community.
“I want to make lots of connections in the community and meet folks where they’re at,” Schaaf said. “When we find out what that looks like, we’ll bring the church to them.”
Contact correspondent Sheri Trusty at sheritrusty4@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: St. John's pastor hits the ground, making connections i Port Clinton
