In October of 2024, we were blessed to have someone from the WELS Connection Team come and record for the March 2025 WELS Connection episode. The episode featured an interview with Pastor Rothfuss and his parents discussing how encouragements helped him pursue serving as a Pastor. Our synod has a shortage of Called Workers and lay leaders. It is important for us to remember and realize that encouraging and supporting the next generations to consider serving the church is something simple we can do now, and it is essential. About those who have the gifts to serve the church, Pastor Rothfuss says “I think it is the responsibility of everyone in a congregation, and really in our synod to encourage those people.” Our Pastor did not grow up in a family of Called Workers, which made the encouragement he received all the more important.

Thank you Pastor Rothfuss for sharing your story! Thank you Rusty and Cathy, his family, those at St. John’s Bay City, MLS, and everyone else who encouraged Caleb to serve as our Pastor! We are thankful to have him as our Pastor!