Meet the Synod’s new moderator: Dan Robertson
Dan Robertson was installed as the moderator of the Synod of Lincoln Trails during the March 24 meeting.
Tell us about your current call.
I have been serving as a Solo Pastor in Fairbury, Illinois, for the last six years. This is my second call, with my first call being in Metairie, Louisiana, just outside of New Orleans. Much of the work within the church is relational in nature, whether at the parish, presbytery, or synod level — and much of my focus is on building and maintaining relationships to support and enrich all aspects of ministry. I often meet with people over lunch and I’m always game to try new-to-me restaurants!
How long have you been involved in the synod’s work? What has your experience been like?
I have been a synod representative from Blackhawk Presbytery for almost all of my time here, since probably my first or second presbytery meeting. The work of Synod that I’ve witnessed, especially with clergy development and support has been wonderful. Yet what first drew me to continued service in the Synod is the opportunity for fellowship and meeting new people. I’ve greatly missed in-person meetings and look forward to one hopefully this year or early next!
As you look ahead to your serving as moderator of the synod, what are your hopes for the year ahead?
My hope is for further conversation and communal discernment in what is possible for SOLT in the near future. As many churches and presbyteries are exploring innovative ways of ministry and new structures, I am excited to see how SOLT will be able to support both those within our Synod and those in the larger Church during an exciting time with the Spirit moving us forward in new directions.
What do you like to do outside of work and church?
Am I supposed to have time outside of work and church? Just kidding…mostly! With a spouse and two young children at home, I am intentional about keeping boundaries for family time — which in warm weather means going to parks and zoos and in cold weather means Disney movies and a nearby children’s museum. On those rare nights when bedtime is actually bedtime, I enjoy watching the Chiefs win, the Pelicans almost win, and board or card games whether I win or lose.
What are your hopes for 2023?
My hope is for hope! Covid provided us all with an involuntary reset — and after a time of necessary recovery, there is increased institutional acceptance in different ways and places to try new things. I am thrilled at all levels of the church to hear conversations turn from generational church decline and worry to stories of hope tinged with excitement! We are in a momentous time for the church, especially if you subscribe to the every five hundred years theory, and I can hardly wait to see what God has in store for us.
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