I look forward to hearing from you at pdcpastort@gmail.com. Expect a reply within 48 hours or assume the email was never delivered.  Thanks. 

“By The Grace Of God I Am Who I Am And What I Am.”  

I thank God I was born into a Christian home.  Both of my parents were strong, dedicated Christians.  During my childhood my parents (L. F. “Ted” and Naomi Swartzwelder) served in various positions at Ice Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Deering, Ohio.  It was in this church that I, at the age of nine, received Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior.  I was soon baptized into the Ice Creek fellowship.  At the age of thirteen God called my father into the pastorate.  Beginning at that time our family made its church home in his various pastorates.  It was during my father’s pastorate at Palestine Baptist Church (Waterloo, Ohio and home of the famous 1930’s Waterloo Wonders basketball team) that I met my future wife, Ruth.

During our engagement it became very clear that God was leading me to undergo pastoral training at Tennessee Temple University and the 50,000 member Highland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  Before our marriage both of us realized our home would revolve around the pastorate.  We submitted to God’s will.  We were married on August 28, 1976 and arrived in Chattanooga on the next day in order for me to begin pastoral training.

                                                                                                                             During these years I gained a vision for what can be done when people are dedicated to the cause of Christ.  I also gained much of the knowledge necessary to implement that vision in my own ministry. Following my graduation in August, 1979 we returned to Ohio.  I located accounting work with American Electric Power, and pastored part-time for eighteen years.  I recall working 40 hours a week with AEP, pastoring a church, raising three children, plus working on my Luther Rice Master’s degree at the same time!  Thank God, for the strength of youth!

                     

The largest challenge of all was presented to me during my years as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Worthington.  American Electric Power was undergoing tremendous change as we transitioned through four reorganizations in only four years.  These reorganizations forced me to resign from the bi-vocational church ministry due to the constant change at work.  During this time I often asked the question, “Lord, why?  If it is Your will for me to continue in a bi-vocational role then why don’t You make a way for me to be bi-vocational?”  The Lord did not answer this prayer for some time.  It was as if God was saying, “Wait on Me.”  Well, I learned to wait, but it was certainly one of the most frustrating times of my adult life. 

                                                                                                                                    

As we approached the fourth reorganization, however, my wife and I sensed that this time would be different.  On the day after the fourth reorganization’s announcement, God revealed to me on my way to a distant meeting, “I have to lose before I can win.”  I immediately surrendered to whatever that truth meant and knew without a doubt that everything was going to be fine.  Oh, the peace that was mine! 

                                                                                                                                 

I was offered a transfer to a distant location and continued employment with the company including insurance and benefits.  I spoke to the Director of Missions for that area and found he had numerous opportunities available if I chose to accept the transfer.  After much prayer, however, my wife and I felt this was the right time to take another leap of faith.

                                                                                                                                

I accordingly took a voluntary severance package from AEP and became a full-time pastor for the first time.  In so doing we took a giant leap of faith not only for ourselves but also for our three children!  Much of my writings on this website, including the two 34,000 word manuals, were written during my time as a full-time pastor. 

 

We are now entering a transition in our home life.  Our oldest daughter has settled in Columbus, Ohio; our middle daughter has married and lives nearby; our youngest daughter is enrolled in a University near Dayton.  We now find ourselves with an empty nest!

Such transitions often produce changes in one’s ministry.  I have been both a full-time and part-time pastor.  I have been on the mountain as well as in the valley.  I have experienced victory; I have also experienced defeat.  I have seen good, qualified people enter the pastorate only to get burned and say, “No more for me” then walk away never to return to the pastorate.  I can honestly say today's ministry is much more difficult than it was in the 1970’s.  One very successful pastor recently said to me, “People have changed.  I do not understand them anymore. I am glad I am now retired.”  Is it any wonder we are now developing a pastor shortage in America?  

Quite simply, pastors need help!  Church leaders also need help!  We have good theology, but we lack in the practical application of theology to this modern culture.  During the last few years I have accordingly turned my attention even more to writing about such practical application stuff.  This website is a way of sharing that material with you.  Please let me know if this material has been a help in any way!  It is my prayer you will make the gospel very practical to everyone under your care.  God bless you in your service for Him!