Ryan Lehfeldt - My Leadership Pathway
What’s up? My name is Ryan Lehfeldt, and I’m a Ministry Resident at LifePoint Church in Minden, NV, close to Lake Tahoe and Reno.
My leadership path began in cold hospital hallways, the darkened room of a theater, and on sun-kissed days on the school blacktop. Because of my growth disorder known as Russell-Silver Syndrome, I had to rely on empathy and a can-do spirit. It was there in those doctors’ offices that I learned what it meant to be resilient. In the theater, I discovered how communication can influence, and on the school playground, I found that humor can be a powerful leadership tool. These early experiences shaped my understanding of leadership.
Prior to becoming a church resident, I had volunteered when I was younger in youth ministry and also participated in student leadership as a middle and high school student. A fun fact is that I was also the leader of a hip-hop dance crew that not only improved my dance moves but also was a means for me to unite others toward a shared goal.
I was also an actor for a number of years before ministry. It was there, however, that God was calling me all along. And I’m so glad I did; I have so much joy for it.
As he reflects on residency with his path toward full-time ministry, he states, I’m in the early stages of it. I’m in the “minor leagues,” so to speak, something like AAA baseball. I’m getting good reps, showing what I’ve got while learning and growing along the way. It’s a good place to fall flat and then get back up and learn from it. I am confident that a lifetime of pastoral ministry is what God intends for me, and whatever iteration that comes in, I’m excited for it!
Residency hasn’t entirely been filled with grins and giggles. In fact, he explains, It has definitely has been difficult. I came into this blind, not really knowing what ministry really looked like. I had sat down with pastors who had been in my life and tried to glean what I could from them, but it is different from living it day-to-day.
The most difficult part for me was and still is finding “my lane.” It’s easy to go into it with a certain expectation, but I realized along the way what I’m gifted at and what I’m not. The most difficult season was about 5 months in.. I felt lost as to who I was, what I was really there for, and what I was contributing. Thankfully, I had a great supervisor in Pastor Tyler, who coached me through it and reminded me that I’m not waiting to make the team; I’m on the team and contributing in meaningful ways in real time.
Some nuggets of wisdom I’ve learned:
I’m learning that it’s okay to not be okay.
You don’t always have to be “on” in ministry, and rest/healthy rhythms are good.
Don’t listen to your sermons immediately. Give yourself space to process them.
Showing up and being there matters more than people might say. Your genuine listening and smile can make someone’s day.
I had misconceptions of ministry going in. Throw those out the window and just be open to it all.
I learned the importance of not overextending myself.
When I began my residency, it was vitally important for me to be a sponge—to absorb as much as I could. Now, it’s about using what I know and walking confidently in that. Equally, I wish to balance newfound confidence with a hunger to develop. I think even back when I first started to now—it is key to have a learner’s mindset.
For those leading a resident, not only are you equipping the next generation, but you are showing them that you care enough to do so. It’s not just a discipleship program or leadership training workshop. For a resident, it’s living and breathing a life in ministry while having the support and guidance of the previous generation(s) rooting for you.
For the next year ahead, I’m hoping to know what my pastoral “DNA” is, where I can best be used in the grand scheme of His Church, and ultimately land that first director/pastor role.
If you’re like me, a career change may be on the horizon for you. Lean into what God may be calling you to, and if it’s ministry, then lean into that. The journey won’t be a straight line, but be patient with yourself, taking risks, and trusting the process as you learn and grow. You may find that what you originally had planned to do with your life (in my case, it was acting) God may use that and who you are in exponential ways in vocational ministry. The key is to lean in.
I’m Ryan Lehfeldt, and this is my leadership pathway.
