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In this issue, newest contributing editor Aaron Goetzinger starts a new Bible study on different prophecies from Isaiah. The study begins by exploring the promise of Christ’s return at the end of time and the promise of Christ’s birth to save people from sin.
“These prophecies were given during horrible circumstances for the people of Israel,” he says. “Even in the middle of these horrible circumstances, God is working out salvation for his people who rejected him. Isn’t that the story arc of our Christian faith—that everything in the end is going to work out through Christ?”
Goetzinger currently serves at Good Shepherd, Attleboro, Mass., a congregation about 35 miles from Boston, Mass., and 10 miles from Providence, R.I.—one of the most “post-Christian” areas in the country.
“If I have an opportunity to tell somebody about Jesus and they actually understand what the promise of salvation actually is—and it is a promise and not something you need to earn or achieve—that’s a pretty big thing,” he says.
Goetzinger attended Luther Preparatory School, Watertown, Wis., and after graduating, enrolled at Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn. He admits that at this time he wasn’t entirely sure the pastoral ministry was right for him, but the Lord continued to guide him down that path.
For his vicar year, he was assigned to Mountain of the Lord, Wausau, Wis. It was there, working with people and building relationships, that he knew he wanted to share God’s promises with people who need to hear it. “It was such a blessing from God to be vicaring there,” he reflects. “It was an awesome experience.”
After graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis., in 2011, he was assigned to Luther Preparatory School as a tutor, instructor, and recruiter. He then accepted a call to Watertown, N.Y., to serve a mission congregation. In 2021, he accepted the call to Good Shepherd.
He has been married to his wife, Sarah, since 2021. Together they enjoy gardening and cooking.
Read Goetzinger’s first article.
Author: FIC
Volume 111, Number 11
Issue: November 2024