Today we’d like to introduce you to Joel Hering.
Hi Joel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Dallas. After graduating from the seminary, I was assigned to Holy Word Lutheran Church by 35 and Braker. What I love about Austin is the same thing I love about the church I was assigned to. The church is tucked away in a small quiet neighborhood. It is not perfect and it is not polished but it is good. The people and the substance are authentic and feed your soul. That’s what I love about Austin. I have been here for 5 years and now I call it home. There is character here. You know the city not when you go to the obvious cooperate places that have the marketing ploys perfectly catered but when you explore the city and find the hole in the wall places that aren’t polished but are authentic and have substance. Austin is home now. These people and these places make it home. I look forward getting to know the city even more.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It is always a challenge to move to a new area. I remember the first time walking around my neighborhood and seeing a lot of weird yard decorations and crazy colored houses. I thought, “What kind of crazy neighborhood am I living in.” But with time and conversation, I now love my neighborhood and neighbors. I love their artistic expression and think that it is what makes our neighborhood unique and amazing.
Obviously 35 traffic has been rough but I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel….hopefully.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Christian pastor, specifically a Lutheran pastor of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (We call ourselves WELS). I believe now more than ever people are searching to be closer to God. I respect that everyone has their own truth in their lives but I believe there is only one true way to be close to God. Some take the path of moralism, aka being a good person. If I am good person, if I am charitable, if I am kind, if I never offend others, if I defend the oppressed, then I will be closer to God. This however only leads to pride or despair. Pride because you think of yourself better than what you actually are or despair because you recognize you can never be good enough. Others try the path of intellect. If I can just comprehend what is going on, if I can just understand the why, if I can just know the future, then I will be closer to God. But this fails because any human who can fully comprehend God is believing in a man made God. The greater reveals to the lesser and the lesser cannot and will not be able to fully comprehend. Others, finally, try the path of experience. If I can just feel God, if I can just experience God in nature, if I can just be moved closer to him by some experience, then I will be closer to God. This too however fails because experiences are subjective and mysterious. You can never know the source of the experience and it leads you always chancing after the next fleeting feeling. The only true way to God is through his unconditional (no strings attached) love. He comes to you rather than expecting you to come to him. The unique thing that I get to do and what I love to do is making a real impact in peoples lives by showing them God’s love for them. I get to be the conduit bringing real peace, hope, and joy.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Getting snacks from the gas station with my Grandpa. Growing up we never got candy or snacks from the gas station. Every time we went to Grandpa and Grandma’s house in Oklahoma, my Grandpa would always follow us to the gas station and fill up our van. Then he would take me and my siblings into the gas station and we got to pick out one thing, whatever we wanted. I think it is my favorite childhood memory because it is genuine joy in the simple and yet special treat all thanks to the love of my Grandpa.
Pricing:
- Word of God – Free
Contact Info:
- Website: https://holyword.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HolyWordAustin
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolyWordLutheranChurch
