Metigoshe Ministries is preparing for an exciting leadership transition. Kyle and Betsy Debertin, the camp’s co-directors, are now beginning a new adventure. Their final good bye was shared on Sunday, July 24. The Debertins will serve as co-directors of Joy Ranch, a brand new ELCA camp currently under construction in Watertown, SD.
As the Debertins have prepared for their departure, they have had a chance to reflect on how significantly Metigoshe Ministries has shaped their lives. Kyle shared, “Beginning 17 years ago when we arrived for our first summer as Camp Metigoshe counselors, we have formed deep and lasting friendships with summer staff and have been invited to share in campers’ faith stories. Fourteen years ago, when I began my work as the full-time program director, a deep passion for outdoor ministry was revealed and nurtured. Seven years ago, when Betsy and I were asked to serve as co-directors, we were welcomed, encouraged, and trusted. Metigoshe Ministries has been the place we deepened our faith, we fell in love, we got engaged, got married, and grew our family, all of it with God’s presence revealed by the Metigoshe Ministries’ family.”
Metigoshe Ministries is in a strong position to navigate a transition and to allow new leadership to be successful. Metigoshe Ministries’ Board of Trustees is showing strong and strategic leadership in the midst of this transition. The board has called an interim executive director, allowing the search committee time to do their work well.
Jon Skogen has begun in the role of interim executive director and will serve until the end of the year. Jon has extensive experience in outdoor ministry. Since 1998, Jon has served as the assistant director for outdoor ministry in the ELCA. Prior to his work at the churchwide office, Jon was the assistant director of Luther Crest, an ELCA camp in Minnesota.
Jon shared these thoughts about Metigoshe Ministries, “Through sound leadership, creative programming, and close connections with congregations, Metigoshe has provided outstanding ministry for many years. Metigoshe has a great reputation as a well run and strong organization.”
The search committee has now begun accepting applications for the position of executive director. Further information about the position has been posted on Metigoshe Ministries’ website, www.metigosheministries.com. Metigoshe Ministries will be excited to introduce the new executive director at the end of the year.
This summer, Metigoshe Ministries is celebrating 50 years of ministry! Betsy reflected, “For fifty years, God has blessed Metigoshe Ministries. Though there will be a change in leadership, God’s faithfulness will not change.”