Check Out Pastor Lynn Marlowe’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pastor Lynn Marlowe.

Hi Pastor Lynn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am The Reverend Lynn Marlowe, but please call me Pastor Lynn. I have had a lifelong calling to ministry as a pastor, but like Jonah with Nineveh, I put it off until I felt God saying, “Just do it already.”

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. A cradle Lutheran, I was baptized and confirmed at the same church where my grandfather was a founding member. Once confirmed at age 14, I began teaching nursery school children and singing in the adult choir. Through the years, I chaired the Sunday School, taught ages 2 through adult, served on the Evangelism committee and the Fellowship committee, and served on the church council. I have always loved being involved in the church and helping others to discover God’s love and inclusion.

Before attending seminary, I sampled several careers. I have been a Medical Assistant, Salesperson, Accounting Assistant, and Senior Administrative Assistant. Through these careers, I found two things. First, not one of these careers could satisfy my call to ministry. Second, a wonderful technological background.

Before I continue with my pastoral education and calling, I feel I should mention my personal life. I met my wife at church. Yes, I said church. We were both singing in a contemporary group together and became fast friends. We have been together now for over 28 years. After living together for 9 years in Pittsburgh, we decided to do something we had always dreamed of: we moved to Florida. We began living in Southeast Florida, moved to Central Florida, and eventually we lived in Jacksonville Florida, where we lived for over 10 years. We currently live in West Georgia and have three cats ranging in age from 1 year to 7 years old. They keep us hopping.

Now, back to my call to ministry. While living in Jacksonville, Florida, I started seminary at Luther Seminary in St Paul, Minnesota. I attended through the distance learning program. This program allowed us to continue to live in Florida while studying. There were three to four trips each year to attend classes in person at Luther. As part of my studies, I completed six months of Contextual Pastoral Education (CPE) as the chaplain at a local hospice in Jacksonville. There, I spent time with those dying and their loved ones. This was an experience that has served me well.

My internship was during COVID, and I spent the year in Sioux Falls, SD, doing outside, parking lot, worship. I will never forget that Christmas Eve when the temperature, before windchill, was -9 degrees and the Communion wine froze.

After graduating with my M.Div. degree (Master’s in Divinity), on February 4, 2023, I was ordained as the called pastor for Grace Lutheran Church in Carrollton, GA, located approximately an hour west of Atlanta.

My strengths are preaching/worship leadership, teaching, pastoral care and visitation, and building community/outreach. I believe that church is not something that happens each Sunday morning but is alive in the community each day through an unconditional love and acceptance of each person. Because there is nothing that can ever separate us from the love of God. And if God loves each of us, who are we to say otherwise?

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to pastoral ministry was not smooth. First, when I was young and felt the call to ministry, women were not ordained. As the years passed, women were permitted to be ordained, but being part of the LGBTQIA+ community was a roadblock. This roadblock was removed in 2009 by the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America). However, other roadblocks existed. It was not until 2016 that a way to ordination was opened for me.

Then, having finally decided to follow my call and start seminary, I developed a bacterial infection in my spine. This bacterium was eating through one of my vertebrae. This roadblock resulted in a year-long recovery where it was uncertain if I would walk again. Never underestimate God’s power. Against all odds, I beat the infection and was restored to health.

After graduation with my M.Div. degree. It was time to seek a call to a church. While the ELCA said I could become ordained, finding a church that would accept a Lesbian pastor was not easy. God made a way, enter Grace Lutheran Church in Carrollton, GA. A place where all, and I mean all, are accepted as “children of God,” and all are worthy of God’s love and acceptance.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Carrollton, GA. I lead worship each week, offering Holy Communion to all who come to the table. I preach, teach the Bible, provide spiritual care and guidance, perform weddings, baptisms, funerals, oversee ministries, and engage in Community outreach. These are just a few of my ministries as a pastor.

I am most proud to offer a place of unconditional love and acceptance to all people. What sets me apart from others is that there is very little that I would not do or try to do if it would bring another person closer to God. To help another feel God’s grace and love.

What does success mean to you?
For me, success is found through the sharing of God’s love for all people. If I can honestly say at the end of my life that I helped others to find God’s love for them. Then I will consider my life successful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gracelutheranofcarrollton.org/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gracelutheranchurch-carrol7507