Pastor Teresa Whetsel gives Shanara Linta hug while Alex Jensen, far right, and Virg Whetsel, lower left, look on. At the podium is Camille Zachrison, CCYM president, who announced Whetsels as the 2022 Youth Worker Hall of Fame Award winners. Photo by jlynn studios.

"Bring your energy, excitement, be real, share your struggles in life and faith as you serve youth. Then, ask the kids what they want." These are words of advice from Virg and Teresa Whetsel, the 2022 Youth Worker Hall of Fame Award recipients. 

"It has been an unexpected journey. This award was unexpected but a Holy Spirit moment for us," said Rev. Teresa Whetsel, currently serving at the United Methodist Church in Miller, South Dakota. 

The couple has been leading youth ministry at local churches and conference levels for most of their married life. "I started with junior high youth when we were living in Watertown attending First UMC," said Virg. "Dan and Jean Fox, members at First, encouraged us to get involved with the youth trips and the youth groups."

The Youth Worker Hall of Fame award honors outstanding individuals who have committed a lifetime to serving Jesus Christ through youth ministry. The award is announced annually at the Dakotas Annual Conference. 

Pastor Teresa started working with high school youth. "I remember Pastor Dayne Zachrison showed up at my workplace one day and told me the trip would be canceled if I did not go to this confirmation retreat as an adult leader. How do you say 'no' to that."

Their children were very young at the time. As a result, the couple had to alternate who would attend youth activities and stay home with the kids. 

One of Virg's favorite youth mission trips was building a house in Juárez, Mexico. "In one week, you build a house together. Then, you learn about another culture and what it is like to live there," said Virg.

Both are quick to point out that camping greatly impacted their lives, their children, and the lives of the youth they served. "I can't say enough about the value of the camping ministry. All our children worked at camp. We served as interim directors at Wesley Acres. The opportunity to step away, connect with others, and create special moments, builds your faith immensely," said Pastor Teresa.

At Leadership Training Camp—LTC, Teresa affirmed her call to pastoral ministry. During a worship service, she felt the spirit move. Pastor Katie Ricke, the adult co-leader in her cabin, also felt a nudge from God. 

On the last night of LTC, the campfire is followed by the silence of everyone at the camp for one entire night. During the silent period, reflection and prayer are encouraged. 

"I never imagined that high school students could be silent for one night," said Pastor Teresa. "It is so powerful." 

Three awards for youth ministry now hang in the office for Whetsels. Previously, Teresa and Virg each received the Darel Leach Youth Worker of the Year Award in two different years. So receiving the award together was special.

"It was totally unexpected. Two youth, Camille Zachrison and Shanara Lint, who has been part of our youth ministry journey, presented the award to us. Paul Lint was there also. He was the person that led the worship at LTC when I knew I was being called to be a pastor," said Pastor Teresa.