Rev. John Britt was a teacher for 23 years before becoming a pastor. He taught Math and Social Studies to middle school students.

"Teaching is a lot like pastoring. At worship, when you give the message, you are trying to teach a lesson," said Rev. John Britt, pastor at Grace United Methodist Church in Piedmont, South Dakota.

Britt, like many people, did not imagine that he would be a pastor. But, instead, God's call on his life showed up gradually and subtly.

John Britt, left side, with a youth confirmation group at Storm Mountain Center in 2015. Photos courtesy John Britt's facebook.

"It was a gradual process that I began to feel when we moved to South Dakota," said Britt. "I attended First UMC in Rapid City, where my grandmother attended. We got involved in a couple's group, then a men's group. One thing led to another. In 2010, I gave up all my coaching contracts and became the youth director at First Church. I taught daily and did youth ministry in the afternoons and evenings."

When John was a young child, his family attended a Methodist Church. Then, the family moved to Glastonbury, Connecticut, and participated at a congregational church. When he married and moved to South Dakota to teach, Britt attended a Lutheran Church in Oelrich, South Dakota.

"We attended a Lutheran church because that is where our neighbors went," John said.

At first, Britt ignored his call. He enjoyed doing what he loved, teaching in all settings—school, youth group, men's group, and Bible study.

"God used many different people to speak to me, into the growing call. I tried to ignore the call I was feeling. Then, one day Doug Diehl, the lead pastor at First Church, talked to me about ministry as a profession. Other people said things like that to me," said Britt. "They had no idea of the seeds that God had already planted."

He regularly attended annual conference sessions. During a coffee break at the annual conference, after his son Matthew had spoken to the large group, Matthew was the president of the Conference Council on Youth Ministry, someone came up to John and said, "Wouldn't it be funny if you and Matthew went to seminary together."

Pastor John Britt leading prayers of thanksgiving and blessing last month at Grace UMC in Piedmont, SD.

"That person had no clue that this was something I was wrestling with— my call to be a pastor. So, I finally made the decision and moved forward. My kids thought it was about time," said Pastor John.

He attended licensing school in 2012 and was assigned to First UMC in Rapid City as associate pastor. He began the course of study at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Britt finished his course of study through the Native American Course of Study, which focused on ministry in Native American settings.

"First Church had several Native Americans served by the HOPE Center, a ministry the congregation started. So, the Native American Course of Study was helpful, and I could apply many of the things I was learning," Britt said.

After six years, Pastor John completed the course of study. He moved from First UMC in Rapid City to serve the United Methodist Church in Winner, South Dakota.

Serving three congregations and 12 years in ministry, he has grown to relish the relationships with the people, the congregations, and the communities.

"You can see God at work in their lives through the ministries you are offering. As a result, lives are changed, and people have become more engaged in their faith. That brings me joy.  I connect with the people, the community through feeding programs, youth programs, prison ministry, the HOPE Center, and helping the homeless. Reaching those struggling, who might not know Jesus, is rewarding," he said.

At Grace UMC, Pastor John continues to be inspired by ministry, engagement, and connection with events like a bike rodeo, community garden, and meals for families during school breaks.

"For many people in the community, it is their first exposure to seeing and feeling the Gospel. We can show them love and give them opportunities to begin to build relationships with followers of Jesus," said Pastor John.

Rev. John Britt. Photo by jlynnstudios.

Ministry has also been challenging. In his first appointment at First UMC in Rapid City, the congregation was experiencing lots of transitions in leadership. When he was at Winner UMC, discussions around the future of the United Methodist Church and the denomination's debate around the inclusiveness of LGBTQ+ persons were challenging. He moved to Grace UMC during the pandemic.

"I did not meet many of the people at Grace for weeks. We worshipped in the parking lot. When we moved inside, we sat on chairs that were spaced out. Everybody wore masks and nobody shook hands. We were distanced physically, emotionally, and spiritually," said Britt. "The silver lining is that I knew many people from Grace through my involvement with conference youth ministry and men's retreats."

The United Methodist Church is home to Pastor Britt. He is inspired by the social Gospel of the Methodist movement and the connection.  

"I like the connection we have. I have made friends across North and South Dakota and the country. I am inspired to serve the marginalized through ministries like the feeding ministries, the HOPE Center, and mission trips. The inclusiveness nature of the United Methodist Church and the open communion table is welcoming. To me, that is very much the Wesleyan spirit. Christ didn't turn anybody away. Instead, he drew the circle wider."

For two decades, Britt discerned God's call to pastoral ministry. He advises others to "Listen, listen to those voices. Listen to the Holy Spirit's call on your heart. Listen to the folks in your church that recognize your gifts and talents that could be used in ministry. Some people see things in you and identify things in you that you really can't ignore."

What is God's call for your life? Lay people are the heart and soul for congregations to thrive. Be equipped and inspired to serve as a leader in various ministry areas inside and outside your congregation. Serve as staff or volunteer in community advocacy, social justice issues, earth care, children and youth ministry, congregational care, hospitality, prayer, mission, and more. Attend the Lay Ministry Academy. Get the details.