February 9th Daily Devotion

Volume XVII Number 16 – September 18, 2025 

Insensitive to the Needs of People  

My third year as a student at Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, Illinois, (1968-1969) was spent as a vicar (student intern) at Ascension Lutheran Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.  

It was a great year. Only three years into our marriage, Terry and I had a hugely positive experience. Though I didn’t know it initially, I was the first married vicar Ascension had ever had.  

When the church leaders discovered I was married, they increased my monthly compensation from $200 to $215. Seriously. I don’t make up stuff like that.  

Fortunately, they also provided housing and utilities for us in their old parsonage. That blessing, along with Terry’s employment in a nearby dress store, made it possible for us to survive financially.  

Terry and I were truly blessed by my supervisor, Dr. Leslie Frerking and his wife Katy. They had started Ascension in 1931. He was a great leader, preacher, and teacher. She was a wonderful pastor's wife.  

Dr. Frerking had also served as president of the Southeastern District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Never did I imagine that 22 years later I would have that same experience in Texas.  

At the end of that one-year stint, I met with the vicarage director, Rev. Victor Bohlmann, back on the seminary campus. He shared with me Dr. Frerking’s evaluation of my year at Ascension.  

It was very positive, with one exception: "This young man is insensitive to the needs of people.” At that time, I was so insensitive I didn’t even know what that meant.  

During my final seminary year I met a few times with Dr. Allen Nauss, a counselor on the seminary faculty, trying to become more sensitive to my insensitivity. I believe that time was productive.  

What’s the point? Throughout the 55 years of my ministry, pastoral sensitivity has been crucially needed at many times by many folks in many venues who have crossed my path.  

If he were still alive, I think Dr. Frerking would be pleased with the improvement that might never have happened had he not identified that shortcoming in his evaluation of my year at Ascension.  

One example: Multiple ministry experiences over 55 years have sensitized me to the challenges faced by the many primary caregivers I’ve known in the past and those who have that responsibility today.  

Recently, in a personal way, I’ve become more sensitive to the blessings and burdens of being a primary caregiver. As previously reported, my dear Terry fractured her pelvis three weeks ago today.  

Since then, I’ve been her primary caregiver. It’s a task that’s not for wimps, even when the care receiver is someone dearly loved. Terry absolutely fits that description!  

In Matthew 25, Jesus said, “I was sick and you took care of me… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”  

If you are a primary caregiver, God bless you. If you’re not one but know one, do or say something to encourage the one who is. That caregiver will be blessed by your sensitivity.  

So will the person for whom he or she is caring. And so will you! 

 Dr. Gerald B. "Jerry" Kieschnick | GBKies@gmail.com  

Opinions in Perspectives are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the position of any group or organization.

Used by permission of Dr. Kieschnick.