Pastor Profiles: Grace United Methodist Church Leader

The Chesterfield-New Baltimore area is filled with people who inspire and lead on a regular basis. In this feature, called Pastor Profiles, we learn about those who contribute on the faith-based level.

This week, the reverend of Grace United Methodist Church at 49655 Jefferson Avenue, tells Patch about herself.

Name: Jill Hardt Zundel                                   

Church:

Residence: Chesterfield Township

Education: B.A. in Christian education from Asbury University, M.Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary, D.Min. from Ecumenical Theological Seminary

New Baltimore-Chesterfield Patch: What inspired you to get into the ministry?

Jill Hardt Zundel: I always felt called to go into the ministry even as a small child, however, the one person I pattern my ministry after is the pastor I had as a youth, Rev. H.H. Patterson, who worked with the entire community in his ministry.

Patch: What do you hope to achieve in your position?

Zundel: I hope that when I leave Grace, they have a better understanding of the Bible and a passion to reach out to those on the margins of society.

Patch: How would you explain your leadership style to someone who’s never been to the church?

Zundel: I am pretty laid-back and try to delegate to the members of the church as we are all ministers or as scripture calls it, the priesthood of all believers. 

Patch: What is your favorite part of the week and why?

Zundel: Sunday is my favorite part of the week because that’s when we gather together to support each other, cheer each other on and get pumped up for the rest of the week.

Patch: What's it like being a female church leader these days?

Zundel: I am still amazed that I meet people who have never worked with or worshipped with a female clergy member. However, I do not have a “female agenda;" I am a pastor who just happens to be a woman.

Patch: What are your hobbies?

Zundel: Cross-stitch (you can see my work at our Country Christmas Bazaar, Nov. 19), crossword puzzles and reading.

Patch: What is your favorite band or singer?

Zundel: Favorite band is Casting Crowns, favorite singer is Matthew West, both Christian artists.

Patch: What is your favorite restaurant?

Zundel: I love Bayside Bobby Mac’s and .

Patch: Besides your church, what is your favorite hangout in the community?

Zundel: I love to go to , even driving by that beautiful water is great.

Patch: What is a little-known fact about you?

Zundel: I have a tattoo of a rose on my back.

To learn more about the church, visit gbgm-umc.org/gracenb/. To nominate a church leader for our Pastor Profiles feature, email christy.arboscello@patch.com.