Sacred Calls is thoughtfully guided by Reverend Bethany Benz-Whittington, a dedicated PC(USA) pastor. Serving First Presbyterian Church in LaFollette, Tennessee, Bethany also holds the esteemed position of Stated Clerk for the Presbytery of Genesee Valley. Beyond her pastoral duties, Bethany is a devoted mother to two wonderful children. Sacred Calls represents a true partnership with her husband, Matthew, also a PC(USA) pastor, born from a shared passion for supporting their fellow ministry professionals. Their journey and motivations are detailed below.
Bethany Benz-Whittington reflects on the genesis of Sacred Calls: “As the Covid-19 Pandemic dramatically altered church operations and moved services online, I gained a deeper understanding of the mounting stress and potential burnout experienced by my colleagues. Guided by my strong belief in the pastoral vow to support and be a friend to fellow ministers, I volunteered to lead Advent classes via Zoom in 2020. My initial aim was simply to ease the burden for a few friends. It was during this time that I recognized a divine opportunity unfolding. My aspiration for Sacred Calls is to cultivate a supportive environment where church members can engage in enriching learning, pastors can find respite and renewal, and all can experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.” – Bethany
Sacred Calls operates on core principles that are practical, deeply faithful, and forward-thinking in their approach to ministry support.
Practical Resources: Recognizing the daily demands of ministry, Sacred Calls develops resources designed to streamline tasks and enhance church functionality. Their journals, notebooks, training materials, and diverse curricula are specifically created to provide essential tools often overlooked in seminary education. Bethany Benz and Sacred Calls aim to equip church leaders with the foundational elements needed to optimize church operations, freeing them to concentrate more fully on their crucial mission and ministry work within their communities.
Faithful Foundation: Bethany Benz-Whittington and the team at Sacred Calls bring significant theological depth to their work. With seminary training and extensive practical experience, they are grounded in both academic study and real-world application of faith principles. They are committed to the Gospel imperative to love our neighbors, investing substantial effort in crafting resources that foster meaningful faith formation within congregations. This dedication to faithful principles ensures that all materials are theologically sound and spiritually enriching.
Progressive Vision: Sacred Calls, under the leadership of Bethany Benz, is committed to inclusivity and relevance in today’s evolving church landscape. They actively strive to use inclusive language in all their materials and intentionally feature diverse voices and perspectives. Bethany Benz-Whittington emphasizes the importance of continuous listening and adaptation, ensuring that Sacred Calls remains responsive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and the contemporary needs of the Church.
Sacred Calls provides comprehensive faith formation resources throughout the entire year, addressing key liturgical seasons and beyond. These resources facilitate engaging explorations of challenging topics, encourage active listening and mutual learning within congregations, and address common gaps in church programming. From Advent and Lent to Summer programs, holy day observances, and resources for ordinary time, Bethany Benz and Sacred Calls offer a holistic suite of materials to support vibrant and continuous faith development.
Bethany Benz-Whittington and Sacred Calls invite you to explore these resources and discover how they can enrich your ministry and church community.
