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Press-Gazette photo by Ken Wesely
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Posted on November 20, 1998
Even though this article appears under the heading, "Career Profile," Ted Tromble doesn't see his job as a career, but a calling.
Tromble is the pastor at First United Presbyterian Church in De Pere.
"I agree with the individual who suggested that a person should not enter the ministry unless it is the only thing she or he can do," he said. "If God makes the ministry an inescapable choice, only then should a person enter into it."
Tromble's calling to the ministry came when he was a third-year pre-dental student. He quickly dropped a dreaded chemistry course, became a history major and entered the seminary three semesters later.
Tromble served as a pastor in Colorado and Wyoming churches before coming to De Pere nearly two years ago.
"In the Presbyterian system, ministers and congregations search and hire, as in industry," he said. "I found the De Pere position listed in a national publication of the denomination's national vocation office. Here, too, I believe there was divine involvement."
Tromble calls his job "the best work in the world," despite the long hours.
"There's not enough time or energy to do all the things I'd like to do," he said. "The enormity of the job is unbounded."
In addition to leading worship services and preaching, Tromble serves the congregation of 500 by supervising the church staff, assisting church committees, visiting the sick, officiating at weddings and funerals, teaching a new members class, counseling and working on projects with other area pastors. His favorite part of the job is leading small Bible study groups, something his time-consuming administrative duties prevent him from doing right now.
Tromble said there is a shortage of Presbyterian ministers for the first time he can remember.
"Servitude isn't big these days," he said. "Most people want to go where there's big money. If you're looking for fame, fortune and power, ministry isn't for you."
"If a person truly believes in the importance of this work," Tromble continued, "then the personal costs largely disappear in the overwhelming rewards."
Some of those rewards are on display in the pastor's office at the church: bold, colorful artworks made by children; an intricate ink drawing by a disabled member of one of his previous churches; and candy with scripture verses on the wrappers given to him by a church member as an Advent gift. Tromble calls these things his treasurers.
Training: To become an ordained Presbyterian minister, you must have a bachelor's degree, a three-year seminary degree, and pass certain exams and standards for ordination established by the church.
Tromble has a bachelor's degree in American history from the University of Colorado, and a master's of divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. He is working toward a doctor of ministry degree through the Denver Seminary.
The bottom line: A fully ordained minister with some experience earns $40,000 to $50,000, including a housing allowance. Salary is based on experience, and what an individual church can afford to pay, Tromble said. A particular job lasts as long as you and your congregation want it to last.
"You can stay as long as a congregation will have you," he said.
Family: Tromble's wife, Caroline, is a registered nurse with the American Red Cross and a church organist. He has two daughters: Rebekah, a sophomore at Knox College, Galesburg, Ill., and Erin, a junior at De Pere High School.
Career goals: Tromble's career goal is to please his boss. "To be faithful and obedient to God," he said. "I pray that I am useful in ministering to God's people and am a tool for advancing his kingdom."
Advice to those considering the ministry: "Make certain your heart will allow you to do nothing else with your life," he said. "Invest yourself fully, and enjoy the benefits of the best work in the world."
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