"Blessed are those who have not seen but believe.” The Rev. Scott Zeckzer brings a message of hope as the newest pastor on Worship Anew’s weekly broadcast program. Pastor Zeckzer joined the ministry for his first program on April 27 with his message, “I Believe ...”.
“We confess in the Apostle’s Creed that Jesus, on the third day, rose again from the dead, and we believe in the resurrection of the body. Why is it important we believe in the resurrection? Hear why the resurrection of Jesus changes everything for you,” Pastor Zeckzer said about the April 27 program.
Pastor Zeckzer, senior pastor at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven, Ind., joins the program as the Rev. Thomas Eggold steps away after seven years of service to Worship Anew. Pastor Eggold provided his final program, “Christ is Risen,” on Easter Day, April 20.
Pastor Zeckzer brings more than 25 years of ministry experience to the role, including working alongside fellow Worship Anew pastor, the Rev. Paul Shoemaker, at Emanuel for many years. He even shared that his approach to the ministry is much like that of Pastor Shoemaker’s.
“Pastor Shoemaker and I have often talked about this—that our preaching style is a lot alike,” he said. “But it just comes down to making sure that the people can understand the gospel and the Good News of God’s salvation—that Jesus came and He brings us forgiveness, eternal life, and salvation, and that’s the core message that Jesus wants us to share with people.”
He conveyed his admiration for the work that Pastor Shoemaker and all of the pastors on Worship Anew have been able to do to share the gospel over so many years — from Pastor Shoemaker’s singing to Pastor Thomas Ahlersmeyer’s props for his lessons.
“All of them have their own unique way, and how they do that is how the Holy Spirit works,” Pastor Zeckzer said.
And while Pastor Zeckzer didn’t know it at the time, the Holy Spirit was working in him from his college days when he studied broadcasting before entering the Seminary to ultimately become a pastor—a skill he is thankful for, given his new role on Worship Anew.
“(When I was doing broadcasting), I would sit behind a microphone in an empty room. I would go, ‘Who am I talking to?’ so I would always picture in my mind someone,” he said, explaining that he applies the same skills when he is filming Worship Anew. “I’m thinking, you know, I might be speaking to my mom because she watches it every week up in the Detroit area.”
He shared how she always watches Worship Anew for any family members who might be on the program, like a nephew or daughter-in-law who recorded with a choir.
“She’d say, ‘You know, I haven't seen you in a while, Scott.’ Well, Guess what, mom? I’ve got a surprise coming,” he said with a grin.
For all, Pastor Zeckzer’s appearance on Worship Anew is a welcomed blessing.
“I'm looking forward to sharing with the audience the Good News of God’s salvation found in Christ Jesus,” Pastor Zeckzer said. “And, also, just being a part of the great history and tradition with Worship Anew.”
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26 ESV