From Institutional Representatives
Dr. Donald H. Fagerberg
I have spoken with Dr. Donald H. Fagerberg, and recognize the benefits provided by Ministry Mentors. Many of our clergy—at all stages of their ministry—could benefit from the opportunity to work with experienced, outstanding pastors.
One of our finest clergy women is already part of the Ministry Mentors group, She is an outstanding pastor, and those with whom she will be working through the Ministry Mentors will certainly benefit from her service. I am aware that Ministry Mentors has other pastors equally qualified to provide this kind of service. I am also aware that we have quite a few clergy among the 300 plus members of this Presbytery that could benefit from service provided by Ministry Mentors.
As the Associate Executive for Ministry and the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Chicago, I see a lot of what is termed "burn-out" in all stages of ministry, and feel this is a much-needed program. I offer my support to Ministry Mentors.
Janet L. Wilson
Former
Stated Clerk/Associate Executive
Presbyter for Ministry Presbytery of Chicago
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I am writing to you in reference to Pastor Don Fagerberg. While I have only been acquainted with Don for a brief period, I have been deeply impressed by his personal passion for ministry and his vision of empowering other pastors to reach the highest standards of excellence in their callings. As the President of a leading theological seminary, I am currently in serious discussions with Don regarding his willingness to network with our school in the mentoring of several of our students. It is my belief that Ministry Mentors has the capacity to have a life-changing and transforming impact on the lives of pastors who seek encouragement, insight, self-understanding and more. In turn, I anticipate that the outgrowth of results will be tremendous in the life of God's church. I encourage you to give Don's ministry your serious attention. His administrative abilities, creative strategies and visionary insights have tremendous potential for the Kingdom of God and beyond.
Charles W. Moore, D.Min.
Former
President, Northern Baptist Theological Seminary
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I believe that the Ministry Mentors vision of using exceptional pastors to help other pastors is a ministry worthy of support. I understand that I will be informed about the effectiveness of this ministry by way of evaluation reports. As time permits, I would be pleased to give my responses to Ministry Mentors in their ongoing evaluations. Although my responsibilities are primarily denominational, I am pleased to offer my encouragement to an organization that serves all Christian denominations.
The Reverend Paul R. Landahl
Former
Bishop, Metropolitan Chicago Synod
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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I have read Ministry Mentors' "Interdependent Yet Independent" document, and appreciate Ministry Mentors' respect for both the role of the diocese and the organization's desire to help clergy from our denomination as they strive for excellence in pastoral ministry.
I look forward to hearing general reports on the work of Ministry Mentors, knowing that specific issues and concerns, with the exception of mandated reported issues, will always be matters of confidentiality.
May God bless Ministry Mentors' role as an organization created to help good pastors to become even better.
William D. Persell
Former
Bishop, Diocese of Chicago
The Episcopal Church in Northern Illinois
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Though I have known Dr. Fagerberg only briefly, he has worked with a pastor in this region that I have known for five years. I am convinced that the program of mentoring designed by Dr. Fagerberg can have a significant impact on the ministry effectiveness of pastors serving in this region. Because of this, I remain in serious conversation with Dr. Fagerberg regarding this program and how it might interface with us as we strive to enhance the ministry of pastors in our region. I believe a fruitful partnership is possible, and I encourage you to give this ministry proposal your serious attention.
J. Dwight Stinnett, Ph.D., Executive
Minister,
American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region
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I am most pleased to commend to you Ministry Mentors and especially its founding President, Pastor Donald Fagerberg. In all walks of life, especially for those in leadership positions where they know the reality of stress, a competent mentor, listener, coach becomes a valued colleague in our professional and personal lives. It is my belief that Ministry Mentors offers this possibility.
I believe Pastor Fagerberg's 30 years as Senior Pastor, in a very significant congregation, lends him well to t hose who may be looking for a mentor and coach. I commend him to you.
Donald M. Hallberg
Executive Director,
ELCA Foundation, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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The Reverend Doctor Donald Fagerberg has served a long and successful pastorate at Lutheran Church of the Ascension in Northfield, Illinois. The parish has grown steadily, enjoyed several expansions, and is now a vibrant spiritual home for many. Pastor Fagerberg’s steady presence and steadfast care have been a critical component in this growth. His longevity and success suggest the strength and integrity of his character and pastoral ability. Don listens well and learns fast.
Dr. Frederick Aigner
President,
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, Des Plaines
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It has been my privilege to know the Reverend Dr. Donald H. Fagerberg since 1964. He was an excellent colleague because of his warm and winning personality and his cooperative and supportive ways. Pastor Fagerberg was the most creative member of our team and was always proposing new ideas and launching very creative programs that enhanced the ministry. I commend him most highly in his new mentoring program where he can share the experiences of his ministry in ways that will be of help to all who will profit by his mature guidance.
The Reverend Dr. Harold C. Skillrud, DD
Bishop Emeritus, Southeastern Synod, ELCA, Atlanta