Sharing his faith in new role
Former Lynd principal accepts call to ministry
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MARSHALL – A career setback turned into a giant step forward in 2026 for former Lynd School Principal Jason Swenson.
He became the lay minister for First Lutheran Church in Marshall. He will be taking part in online seminary studies beginning in February, and expects to become a fully ordained Lutheran minister within three years. He will continue to serve as a lay minister while he studies.
He said ministry has been a career possibility for his entire adult life. He focused on public education because he enjoyed his time as an elementary teacher in Marshall and then as a principal in Lynd.
"This (the new ministry) is 33 years in the making," Swenson said. "This summer I felt that God was calling me, and members of First Lutheran encouraged me to consider it. I'm very grateful for the support of my family, community and church during my discernment."
He served as a principal for 18 years, until his position was eliminated for budget reasons. The Lynd School Board decided to switch to a combined superintendent and principal position.
He said not going back to school this fall has been a change but one that involves many good things. He still works with young people, and also has extensive opportunities to minister to adults.
"I miss being in school with the kids," he said. "I still care about them, the teachers and the school. It's helped that I'm moving on to a great opportunity. In some ways it's similar to being a teacher and administrator."
So far his time at First Lutheran has been spent on sermon preparation, the Confirmation program, the First Communion program, visitations, community outreach and social media.
"I'm working to get myself out there," Swenson said. "I'm showing everyone that I'm here and that I want to share my faith. I've had many good opportunities to get better acquainted with the work of a minister."
He has been a member and volunteer at First Lutheran for 25 years. By becoming a church leader, he has an even more detailed knowledge of how many different people contribute to daily church activities, which in turn facilitates long term success.
"I'm amazed at how much happens on a day to day basis," he said. "I've seen all the things that keep the building and the church functioning; the cooking, the cleaning, the music and everything else. It wouldn't happen if we only had a handful of people."
He expects that his knowledge and appreciation for ministry will grow continuously, as he builds faith based connections and friendships with church members and the community.
He already knows that it's a path he wants to keep walking, a journey that's already provided many rewards. More of them await in the years to come.
"I like the church services, the teaching, and serving the people," Swenson said. "I feel like I'm making a difference for the Lord. I'm happy that it's come to fruition for me after all these years."
Swenson's wife, Amber, will continue to teach at Southview Elementary in Marshall. They have two school age sons, Leo and Braydon.
Tonya Tomasek, who serves as First Lutheran's director of outreach and congregational care, said this summer marks the end of a three-year transition period.
During the transition the church worked with several temporary interim pastors. Tomasek took on ministerial duties herself, and was helped by many volunteer church members.
"We're really excited by what's taking shape," Tomasek said. "We knew the transition was an act of God, and now there's proof of it. Jason was meant to step into his new role."
She added that church leaders feel like they're a step ahead because of how Swenson already knows the congregation. She said volunteers plan to stay active as Swenson begins his seminary studies.
Retired Marshall Elementary Principal Bill Swope, who supervised both Jason and Amber when they were young elementary teachers at Park Side in Marshall, said he's happy to hear about Jason's career change.
Swope himself considered ministry in the 1970s before moving to Marshall to become a principal. He is a member of Living Word Lutheran Church.
"Jason is making a really good decision," Swope said. "He has everything it takes to succeed in ministry. His faith is very strong and his people skills are excellent. He'll do a great job at First Lutheran."