Balancing Our Roles in Family and Church, Rev. Don and Mary Patterson

Presentation Description

Church leaders and their spouses have a unique challenge that requires constant prayer, effort, and attention. They serve their own families and the greater people of God. Both vocations involve people, lots of them! It’s intense and every decision has great ramifications for human beings who are the apple of God’s eye. In this workshop, Mary and Don will discuss the core values every church leader must follow in order to be a blessing in both family and church. With gospel promises and principles we can be a light shining in a dark place that doesn’t burn out while we hold out the light of life to for others near and far.

Speaker Bio

Rev. Don and Mary Patterson

Pastor Don Patterson has served Holy Word Lutheran Church in Austin, Tex. for over 30 years. In those years he has mentored 23 vicars, two staff ministers and many lay leaders. He has written Bible Basics and Rising with Jesus (a 365-day devotional). He and his wife, Mary, have led marriage retreats across America and in Sweden. He has spoken at leadership conferences, men’s and women’s retreats as well as pastor and teacher conferences. In the north Austin area, he has been instrumental in planting six new WELS congregations. He currently serves as the district president of the South-Central District of the WELS. He and Mary have raised four boys who are active lay leaders in their own WELS congregations. They have five grandchildren. Don’s hobbies include raising beef cattle, hunting, and biking. His greatest passion is to teach God’s word and watch the light go on in people’s hearts for the word of truth found there. Mary has been a residential realtor for more than 20 years. She loves exercise, biking, and landscaping. She organized and led women’s retreats for 12 years and loves to share her personal prayers with hurting saints. Together, Don and Mary host weekly small groups and Don has a daily Facebook Live video devotional watched by friends all over the world.