Ministry Beyond the Sanctuary
As a bi-vocational pastor and residential property manager, Pastor Cindy Jacobs lives out her calling in both spiritual and practical ways. Whether she’s leading worship or managing homes for families, her work is rooted in care and connection.
One of Cindy’s responsibilities includes managing parsonages—church-owned homes used by clergy or local community members. That role brings her into close collaboration with church leaders, boards, and trustees. And occasionally, it opens the door to ministry in surprising places.
An Honest Request from a Tenant
Earlier this year, Pastor Cindy was handling a routine lease renewal for one of the parsonage tenants. The lease terms hadn’t changed—no increase in rent—but shortly after sending the renewal notice, she received a heartfelt message:
“We absolutely do want to stay. We were wondering if we could possibly get the rent reduced slightly—maybe $100, or even $50.
We could take over our own lawn care if that helped. We have tools!
Electric prices have already eliminated any summer camps this year. I know we’re all feeling it. I had to ask—because you can’t receive the things you don’t ask for.”
For Pastor Cindy, the request wasn’t just about money—it was about a family trying to give their child the kind of summer they remembered from their own childhood.
The Power of Camp—and a Bigger Question
Pastor Cindy knew what summer camp could mean to a child. She knew what Camp Pecometh could offer: a place where children explore faith, grow in confidence, make lasting friendships, and connect deeply with God’s creation.
So she brought the request to the church’s trustees—but with a twist. Not only did she ask about a possible rent reduction, but she also added another question:
“Would the church consider sponsoring this family’s child for a week of summer camp at Pecometh?”
A Generous Yes
The church trustees didn’t hesitate.
“Yes. We’re happy to reduce the rent by $100 per month—and we would love to sponsor the child for a week at Camp Pecometh.”
Pastor Cindy shared the good news with the tenant, who was overwhelmed:
“I feel like I just got a hug. Thank you. Thank you.
My oldest absolutely would enjoy and benefit from a week at day camp. I remember going there as a kid. I can’t express my gratitude enough.”
What started as a lease renewal turned into something far more meaningful—a reminder that ministry can happen anywhere.
Ministry in Motion
This wasn’t just about rent. It was about seeing a need, responding with compassion, and trusting that even small acts can lead to something sacred.
At Camp Pecometh, we believe that camp is more than a summer escape. It’s a place where kids encounter God in new ways, gain confidence, and feel deeply known in a Christ-centered community. Thanks to the generosity of one local church and the heart of a pastor who saw a bigger opportunity, one more child will get to experience that this summer.
A Lasting Reminder
For Pastor Cindy, it was another affirmation that ministry doesn’t always happen inside a sanctuary. Sometimes, it happens in small offices, email threads, and simple acts of grace that ripple outward.