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 My name is Jerry Schoening. I work part-time here at First
Presbyterian as the Interim Director of Small Group Ministries. It struck me
a number of years ago that if we view the church as being the body of
Christ, that body should be healthy and growing. I believe one of the key
factors that promote healthy church growth, both qualitatively and
quantitatively, is the relationship building that takes place naturally in a
small group setting.
I guess I can really lay claim to being a “church kid” as I was born while
my father was in seminary. He served churches in the mid-west until his
premature death when I was 11 years old. The deep faith and spiritual
heritage of my parents have been a source of grounding for me through out my
life long spiritual journey.
I am a “recovering” bureaucrat. After graduating from Lakeland College in
Sheboygan, Wisconsin with a major in business and a minor in philosophy, I
worked for the Social Security Administration for 25 years before taking an
early retirement in 2001. Over the years, I became a student of group
dynamics and learned a great deal about facilitating large and small groups.
My wife Ellie and I met through a college & career small group while
attending First Presbyterian Church in Greeley, Colorado. We were married in
the mountains, outside of Estes Park in 1984. We have no children, but two
great dogs. We have been a part of First Presbyterian since moving to Grand
Junction in 1999. My current full time vocation is in financial services,
but my avocation is finding ways to help others and myself “Follow Christ
and share His Word”.
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