Jarrod Pfarr

If You’re Not Having Fun, You’re Doing It Wrong

Jarrod Pfarr’s ministry at St. Peter in Appleton, Wisconsin, illustrates one of MLC’s favorite taglines: “One Mission-Endless Opportunities.”

His endless opportunities fall into these categories: assistant principal; athletics and activities director; basketball, volleyball, and track coach; musical director; Junior Choir director; curriculum developer; and worship team member. On the side (ahem), he teaches fifth grade—mostly religion, social studies, and language arts.

“I’m very passionate about many things,” he says, “and I’m involved in almost all of them at St. Peter. I have amazing opportunities each and every day.”

It’s serious business, but it’s fun too. “Each day I get to come in and work with a wonderful group of students who honestly just tolerate how ridiculous I am 90% of the time,” he says. “I try to live by the idea, ‘If you’re not having fun, you’re probably doing it wrong.’”

Although he teaches grade school, Jarod mentors older teenagers too. Many of you met him when he spoke at WELS Youth Rally last summer. And you’ll soon come across his new launch, Project 4:12. “It’s an online platform for student leadership,” he says, “where young leaders can share opportunities, find encouragement to step out of their comfort zones, and explore ways to Believe and Be Love in our world. This generation has so much to offer, and I want to encourage them to go make a positive difference in their churches and educational communities.”

Looking back, Jarrod recognizes mentors who helped him understand the value—and the fun—of ministry. He’s so thankful for Pastor Dustin Sievert, Paul Strutz, Dan Schulz, and Charlie Kuether.

And he offers some humble advice to you too: “It took me a long time to figure out if ministry was right for me. This world also needs Christian doctors, plumbers, graphic designers, and accountants. Wherever your gifts lie, use them to their fullest.

“And enjoy the journey on which God will bring you,” he adds. After all, if it isn’t fun, you’re probably doing it wrong.