Musician hears call to 'care for God's people'

For some, a church's music, with its messages of praise and caring, is what draws them to worship. For Elm Grove Lutheran Church member John Eyer, his passion for music led him on a path that took him a step further.

On Sunday, Eyer was ordained in Elm Grove Lutheran Church's sanctuary. In July, he will become pastor at two Wisconsin churches, Zion Lutheran in Gresham and St. Paul Lutheran in Shawano.

"My first career was in music," Eyer, 40, said. He had dreams of teaching piano at the college level and took to getting the necessary education. He earned a doctorate of musical arts at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and after graduation, he played around town for a few years. But he decided to take a break and landed in an office job.

"That gave me a chance to rethink my life," he said.

Later, he got another nudge. While directing music at the campus chapel in Madison, he struck up a friendship with the pastor there.

"He asked me whether I'd ever considered becoming a pastor," Eyer said.

Idea needed time

He wasn't ready at the time, but the thought kept tumbling around in his mind.

He comes from a religious family. His father, Richard Eyer, is a pastor. His mother, Susan, is a deaconess. And his only sister, Mary, is married to David Loy, a pastor in Oliver, Mo.

In the summer of 2005, Eyer began to consider the idea of joining the clergy in earnest.

He traveled to Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and met with the admissions staff, returning in October for a more in-depth visit.

That's when everything became clear.

"He called one day and said, 'I think to make my life really fulfilling, I'd like to be a pastor,' " the Rev. Richard Eyer recalled. He hadn't expected the choice because his son was so invested in music, but he was excited all the same.

Music still a passion

In the fall of 2006, John Eyer enrolled in seminary. He graduated in May.

"It's the opportunity to care for God's people," he said of his new position. He hopes to be a valuable resource for congregants who are in need of counsel, a face of hope in the communities he serves and also to bring his love of music to his work.

He would like to write hymns or choral music while at his new churches.

For his new listeners, perhaps not just his songs, but his words and counsel, will shape their experiences.

Those in Elm Grove are excited for the new minister's next ventures, too.

"We simply share his joy," said the Rev. Larry Myers, Elm Grove Lutheran pastor.