A transformational trip helped Tristan Shin find his call.
For some people, following in their relatives’ footsteps into a career may be a smart idea. For others, it may be the last thing on their minds. Pastor Tristan Shin of Bethany Lutheran Church was one of those people who really never considered the ministry until a single moment in his life.
The 31-year-old, who saw both his father and grandfather participate in the ministry, was a case manager who loved his job helping the homeless.
“When I was working after college, the ministry wasn’t really in my plans,” Shin said. “I enjoyed helping people and making a difference, but I was more interested in obtaining my master’s degree.”
Shin, who was born in Korea, started at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in 2010.
A year into his studies in Philadelphia, Shin attended a trip to southwest Asia as part of the seminary. While in Cambodia, Shin and fellow members of the trip donated money to a local village. Before he left to return home, Shin was transformed by the deed he had done.
“We saw our donations went to the building of water wells in this small village in Cambodia,” Shin said. “There was a sign thanking the (Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia) for their donations, and you could see the difference it made to so many people in this village.”
In November 2016, Shin was ordained into the New Jersey Synod, and is now in his third year at Bethany Lutheran Church in Palmyra, which was his first call.
Besides his everyday duties as pastor, Shin — who at one time participated in video game competitions — who also enjoys drawing and being creative.
As a pastor, Shin gets to see a lot of things firsthand in the church. He helps people with tough decisions at times, but always is around to offer a lending hand.
“Experiencing things with my people is the best part of my job,” Shin said. “Getting to know people and developing relationships is important to me, and I enjoy going through life’s journey with them.”
As the world changes, the church as a whole has been no stranger to the change. With people’s lives busier than ever before, churches around the globe have seen attendance drop. Some congregations have been able to survive, but others have been forced to close their doors.
“I try to be as relevant as possible with our members of the congregation,” Shin said. “Us as pastors have group meetings with other religious leaders to pass around ideas, discuss sermons and talk about the upcoming gospel for that week’s service. It is a huge help.”
Despite seeing other congregations close their doors, Shin is positive about his church and the energy they bring each week.
“The energy, love and potential within Bethany is awesome to see,” Shin said. “Even with some churches not interacting as much as before in today’s society, that doesn’t seem to be the case here.”
For more information regarding Bethany Lutheran Church, its services or Shin, check out its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bethanylutherannj/ or call (856) 829–2373.
