Jim Schwenk is one of many Americans facing the challenging economy and shrinking job base. Relying on his resourcefulness and a belief that "God remains faithful," Schwenk exemplifies flexibility and adaptability, valuable characteristics in today's world.
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Schwenk taught church history for 11 years at Evangelical Theological Seminary, Myerstown. When his position was cut back to part time, he began to look for additional employment to make ends meet.
One Sunday in June 2007, Schwenk took his family to the Celtic Fling at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. After stepping foot on the grounds, his son, Tyler, turned to him and said, "Dad, I'm home." Little did Schwenk know that it would soon be his home as well.
Within a year, both were hired to work on the maintenance crew. Schwenk eventually became full time, continuing at the seminary where he is now an adjunct professor.
Meanwhile, in November, Schwenk was offered a job as pastor at Evangelical Church in Columbia. Despite the church's 35-mile distance from his Myerstown home, Schwenk accepted the position. A parsonage houses the family on weekends. But Schwenck still gives four Sundays to the Renaissance Faire for special events. On those days, someone else does the preaching in Columbia.
The "renewed spirit" and "enthusiasm" Schwenk sees at the church are also traits he embodies. He can relate to those affected by the recession because he, too, continues to "muddle through," as he puts it. Credit that to his emphasis on meaningful work and family.
Hometown: West Lawn.
Family: Wife, Lore, of 21 years; daughter, Heather, 20, and son, Tyler, 17.
Pets: Three cats, Willie, Luna and Gracie.
My first job was: Delivering pharmaceuticals for Ronco's Pharmacy, West Lawn.
When I was growing up I wanted to be: A veterinarian.
My parents always told me: Follow God's will for your life.
My greatest accomplishment: Giving a lecture on J.R.R. Tolkien at Pembroke College, Oxford University, at the C.S. Lewis Institute's Oxbridge 2008.
My biggest disappointment: Losing a job I loved.
My unfulfilled ambition: Driving a Formula 1 Grand Prix car.
My favorite childhood memory: Friday evenings at my grandparents' house.
One thing I've learned: God will never let you down.
To get on my good side: Treat my wife and children with respect.
I've never been good at: Any sport involving a ball.
Something that can always be found in my refrigerator: Tabasco sauce and salsa.
There ought to be a law against: The high cost of health care in the U.S.
The best movie I've seen recently: "Angels & Demons."
The best book I've read recently: Michael Ward's "Planet Narnia."
The person who has influenced me most: Dr. Leon O. Hynson, professor, colleague and friend.
My favorite place to spend money is: I never passed a bookstore I didn't love!
Where I went on my last vacation: Oxford, U.K.
Emily Wolgemuth is a Sunday News staff writer. Contact her at ewolgemuth@lnpnews.com.
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