A story from Atlantic Northeast District
On Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, Jim Bridgeman was ordained at Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. We always celebrate when someone accepts the call of God to serve the church as a minister, and Jim is no exception. That is, for one important detail: Jim is 93 years of age, which makes him the oldest person in the history of the Church of the Brethren to be newly ordained—or at minimum the oldest we have on record.
In fact, Jim was licensed to the ministry when he was 82 and began working toward ordination through the ACTS program. Along the way, his wife of 64 years became ill, so Jim took a hiatus from his studies to care for her, but his call to work toward ordination was renewed after she passed away. Including his work to complete the ordination requirements, Jim has a lifetime of experience in the church with his family, co-workers, and ministering to God’s people.
When asked if ministry will be more of a challenge because of his age and his need for the assistance of a walker, Jim said, “The longer I keep going the longer I keep going. As soon as I stop trying, I will not be able anymore, but God calls me to keep moving.” Jim senses his call as one of visitation ministry, which he will do as a volunteer clergyman at Calvary Homes where he lives.
Jim’s mentor and pastor Misty Wintsch said, “I have seen the Holy Spirit move in the ways in which Jim has worked toward ordination, in how these final steps have fallen into place and in Jim’s spirit and clear sense of call regardless of his age. Jim’s willingness and ability to serve is living proof that it is never too late to answer a call from God.”
Jim credits his family and the many friends he has met along the way with helping him to meet the goal of ordination. He received plenty of advice, computer assistance, and rides to classes, and he is grateful for each and every person who walked this path with him.
We praise God for Jim’s call and acceptance of it, and pray that he will be used in mighty ways to share the love of Jesus Christ.
Shared in love by Misty Wintsch and Pete Kontra, Atlantic Northeast District executive minister.
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