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Chaplain Michael Schempf Honored for 25 years in Ministry

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Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. recently honored Michael Schempf during a special chapel service for his 25 years in the ministry.

Before coming to Bethesda, Schempf served two congregations, one in Culver, Ind., and another in Tawas City, Mich. He was drawn to Bethesda by the challenges of ministry to people with developmental disabilities. Schempf’s primary goal was to provide ongoing spiritual supports for those who live at Bethesda. “My goal is that the people I serve at Bethesda will see their lives and work as important here because of their relationship with God who deeply loves them,” stated Schempf.

It is Bethesda’s mission to teach and share Christ’s love while providing supports and services for people with developmental disabilities. Schempf is delighted to share God’s promise with the people he touches and feels blessed by the opportunities Bethesda has given him.

The Chaplaincy department at Bethesda conducts one chapel service on Sunday and two services daily during the week. Schempf leads worship services three days a week and also provides confirmation instruction, Bible studies on the main campus, and group home Bible studies in the community. “We give thanks for his ministry,” stated Rev. Earl Bleke, “He cares for us and leads us through the Word.”

Services at Bethesda share message and content with other Lutheran parish services; however, the sermon and worship service are typically shorter. Fifteen-minute services and five-minute sermons are the norm. Sermons are always accompanied by large screen pictures and are intentionally repetitious. “We follow one Biblical story and theme for the week which is repeated each day in worship services and Bible classes,” stated Schempf.

Schempf also helps introduce Bethesda’s mission to new staff and he meets with families when they initially bring their loved one to Bethesda. “Being a pastor is always about building relationships,” said Schempf. “I am privileged to present a message that positively affects people’s life now and for eternity.”

Schempf is thankful for the relationships he has made with people and for the opportunity he has to share the Word. “God’s plan to lead me here along with my family is a mystery that I do not fully grasp,” said Schempf. “I do know that it is a joy and a privilege to be serving the people of Bethesda.”

Now in its second century of service, Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the country and throughout the world. It is Bethesda’s mission to support the needs of the individual—both physical and spiritual—and as a result, Bethesda offers many different types of services for the individual and their family, including a variety of residential facilities, supported-living programs, outreach services and secular training workshops. For more information on Bethesda’s services and support programs, call the public relations office at 800.369.4636, ext. 3817, or email: pr@mailblc.org.