"My wife, Wanda, and I, both gradually realized that where we were getting our satisfaction in life from the work we did at church. Our jobs were just something we were doing to get the bills paid. We really weren't enjoying them very much anymore," These are the words of Rev. Jeff Adel, who serves the United Methodist congregations in Gettysburg and Onida, South Dakota. He plans to retire this year.

Rev. Jeff Adel's path to ministry was not as straightforward as some. Pastor Jeff started as a lawyer before getting heavily involved in his local church and experiencing his call to ministry. 

"I went to the University of South Dakota Law School, and I worked for the state of South Dakota from 1985 to 1991. Then was in a private practice with a partner, Casey Bridgeman, from 1991 to 2000,” he shared.

Jeff and Wanda celebrating their 26th Wedding Anniversary back in 2015. Photo from Facebook.

With his wife, Wanda, Rev. Jeff Adel experienced his call to ministry through laity work at the United Methodist Church in Wessington Springs, South Dakota. 

He describes, “We just kind of got more and more involved in the church. Both of us had just about every position there was for a lay person. I also did some lay speaking at that time. It was in 2006 that Wanda and I felt we were being led for me to go to seminary."

Once Jeff experienced his call to ministry, he did not give up on his legal work. He continued to work as a lawyer throughout seminary.

"I was working for two years in Wessington Springs as a part-time lawyer and as well as a full-time seminary student. I also at that time was working as a part-time pastor because the United Church of Christ in Wessington Springs and Alpena needed a pastor. I wound up filling in for two years,” Pastor Jeff explains.

After completing seminary, Jeff was given his first official appointment. "I got my first United Methodist appointment in 2008, to the United Methodist Church in North Sioux City. It was also known as the McCook Lake Church," He said.

He served at McCook Lake for three years before moving with his wife to Gettysburg, where he served Gettysburg, Onida, and Agar. 

Pastor Jeff and Wanda were very grateful to return to a small-town lifestyle. They looked forward to being able to get involved in all the things that go on in small towns. They were also excited that they were so close to Blunt, South Dakota, where Wanda grew up.

Pastor Jeff giving the message at the "Senior Class Boys' Breakfast and Girls' Tea" held at Onida UMC. Photo from Wheatland Perish Facebook.

“You can enjoy small town life and do small town ministry. We were able to get involved in the people's lives," said Pastor Jeff. T

Rev. Jeff has been serving the three-church charge of Gettysburg, Onida, and Agar since 2011. He has made great connections and truly felt the Holy Spirit present. Sadly, at the beginning of 2023, Agar UMC closed, but he has continued to serve the congregations of Gettysburg and Onida. 

Adel talked about two of his ministry mentors: Rev. Scott McKirdy and Pastor Bill Hoffman. They both became great friends. Pastor Jeff has enjoyed learning from them by watching how they conducted their ministry.  

In retirement, Jeff and Wanda will move to Pierre, South Dakota, where they will make spending time together a priority.

Pastor Jeff said, "My biggest plan is to spend a lot more time with Wanda because, as a pastor of at first three churches and now down to two, it takes a lot of time. I haven't been able to spend nearly as much time with her as I should have."

He is also excited to dive more into sports announcing and public address announcing. Pastor Jeff currently does the live stream broadcasts for Potter County basketball, volleyball, and wrestling. He does public address announcing for football and track. He intends to continue this passion in Gettysburg. Pastor Jeff hopes to get into sports announcing in Pierre, specifically with the large baseball community. 

Rev. Adel advises clergy, "You've got to find your way to do things. Everybody's way is going to be different. You've got to be who you are. Deal with the congregation as they are. Rely on the Lord and rely on the abilities that the Lord gave you."

He expresses his gratitude for the United Methodist Church. "I remain proud to be a United Methodist. We're not perfect. We never have been. We never will be. That is because we are full of people, and people aren't perfect. I am so grateful to all the clergy in the United Methodist Church because, there are times when we're all we have. I hope that even in retirement people will still feel free to call me if there's something I can do to help," said Pastor Jeff.