​Meet the Ministry Leaders 
of Bethany Lutheran Church

Jonathan Dodson
Pastor

Allen Bertilrud
Synodically Authorized  Minister (SAM)

Hello my name is pastor Jonathan Dodson. I am child of God and a follower of Jesus. My home is in Plummer Minnesota with my family Kelly, Jack and Lyla. Kelly and I have been married since 2000 and people that know us both like her better. We have lived in Plummer since 2005 when we came straight from Luther Seminary. I realize that our 18 years up here really isn't long in the grand scheme of things but I do feel like we've started some roots. Everything I know about God I learned from the Bible, my family and the Good People of Northwestern Minnesota. We love it here; it is a good and proper home for the faithful.


I am happiest in the open air, learning something new, connected with people. My favorite scripture verse is whatever I'm reading that day. I believe that God's Word is a living and breathing one. If I was forced to chose, I would pick Romans 5:1-2 in an attempt to lift up God's Grace. That is the central theme of scripture and my personal experience. My favorite hymn is “Lord of All Hopefulness.” Though my favorite verse is found in “Amazing Grace” when we sing about being home with God for ten thousand years; it reminds me that I have lots of time to practice guitar. I am looking forward to our ministry together!


Yours in Christ,
Pastor Jonathan

About 5 years ago I started going to classes within the NW Synod and the NE Synod of North Dakota to learn more about the ministry and Bible. I attended approximately 10 Saturday classes throughout that time. In addition, I took a week of classes on the Ministry at Luther Seminary in St. Paul on Biblical text and lay ministry.

    At the NW Synod Assembly in 2020 in Moorhead, the Synod gave me the certificate for the lay ministry completion. When Pastor Graff retired, I thought that I could help with the transition to a new Pastor for our congregation. After discussion with SAM Kathy Levenhagen, I was approached about being a SAM. I had all of the qualifications for being a SAM.

     A SAM, with an acronym for Synodically Authorized Minister, is specific to only the congregation at which they serve. I interviewed with Bishop Tesch in Moorhead and I will continue to have classes in the coming two years totaling approximately 64 hours in addition to two additional retreats during that time. A SAM basically has the same service responsibilities as an ordained Pastor, but is not ordained due to not being a graduate of a seminary. I can only serve Bethany unless called by another congregation and this would have to be authorized by the Synod Bishop. 
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    In the year ahead, I will be meeting with Pastor Dodson from Plummer on a monthly basis and I will be working with Pastor Daphne on a part time basis filling in where needed in her absence. 

The Dodson and Bertilrud Family with Bishop Bill Tesch
​Palm Sunday 2023