The Call To Mentor

Ryan Smarsh joyfully expresses his passion for the church that nurtured him from early on. While growing up, Ryan learned that he was "here to serve” and he didn’t want to miss a single day at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church (CELC), Avon Lake.

As a child, Ryan felt a strong sense of call from God. After years of exploring his vocational identity with his pastor, Ryan's trust-worthy role model, he pondered whether he truly had a place in his church. Ryan prayed earnestly about it.

“Then it happened! I know it was a God moment,” asserts Ryan. A confirmation class teacher called, sharing with him that one of her students requested Ryan be his mentor. Much to Ryan’s surprise, teachers, parents and church council all approved. Ryan would become, by far, the youngest mentor ever in his congregation! Through this mentoring relationship, Ryan and his call was affirmed. God spoke through Ryan’s church family, giving a far-reaching direction for his life’s work. Ryan felt the call to walk with people, one-to-one, as a mentor which led him to a vocation as a social worker. Ryan says, “I will not forget how this congregation supported me. I would not be the social worker I am today, if is wasn’t for the love and compassion that was shown to me, and given to me, by my church family.”

Today, Ryan serves as the president of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church. Aided by the Holy Spirit, our synod staff, and shared resources, he led this Body of Christ through the difficult years of the pandemic and is now leading during a faithful search for a new pastor.
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Congregations in the Northeastern Ohio Synod are raising up leaders like Ryan who serve both their church and their communities for the good of all. As a member of this synod, your mission support helps us be a resource for congregation leaders, equip pastors, and accompany people in vocational discernment. Thank you for recognizing the importance of our shared ministry.