Rev. Joel Winckler, right, celebrates communion with Bishop Bruce R. Ough at annual conference. Dakotas Conference file photo.

“I pray that the Lord will give me the wisdom to be a bold, faithful leader. I pray to rely on the Lord’s presence and to be a calm assurance to all those I serve,” says Rev. Joel Winckler, who currently serves as the pastor at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Jamestown, North Dakota, and will serve as the Northwest District Superintendent for the Dakotas Conference beginning on July 1, 2020.

Church and faith have been a big part of Winckler’s life. He felt a call to ministry during his middle and high school years. 
 
“I felt my call to ministry as a youth, growing up in Mandan, North Dakota,” says Winckler. “My experiences in youth group, at Lehr Church Camp, and also on mission trips to Costa Rica all defined my faith and call. All these experiences opened my eyes to new people and new cultures.”

After high school, he attended Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, receiving an undergraduate degree in sociology.

Upon completing his degree, Joel returned to Mandan, where he worked as the manager of an apartment complex. “The job required skills in relating to people and dealing with conflict,” says Winckler.

He engaged in different service and leadership opportunities at the United Methodist Church in Mandan. Rev. Ross Reinhiller invited Winckler to serve as a youth leader and even preach. Those experiences helped shape his call to pastoral ministry.

“I felt comfortable with the pastoral care part of the ministry. I see myself as an encourager. I never really saw myself as a preacher. Ross asked me to preach, and it felt natural. I thought, ‘if God could use me, I should respond.’”

Winckler headed back to Asbury to attend seminary. He was invited by Rev. Dwight Meier, who served as the district superintendent at the time, to complete an internship at the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, North Dakota, under the mentorship of Rev. Norm Winkelman.

Serving the United Methodist Church in Harrisburg, South Dakota,  was Winckler’s first appointment out of seminary. He served as the associate pastor at First United Methodist Church in Aberdeen, South Dakota, four years, nine years at Calvary United Methodist Church in Bismarck, North Dakota, six years at Calvary United Methodist Church in Fargo, North Dakota, as the executive pastor, and currently serves at St. Paul’s in Jamestown.

“My years in ministry have built my confidence in the power of God. When things get hard in ministry or life, don’t give up. Trust that nothing is beyond the scope of God,” says Pastor Joel.

As he enters his role as the district superintendent, he looks forward to caring for the churches and clergy in the Northwest District. He plans to spend time getting acquainted with who they are and their ministries.

“I am ready to do what needs to be done. I trust in the goodness of God and the faithful presence of God.”

Amidst the health care crisis and the potential split of the denomination, Rev. Winckler believes that God has not abandoned The United Methodist Church or anyone.

“God’s work will continue. God isn’t done with the churches of the Dakotas,” says Winckler.