Work in the Ohio Governor’s Office Takes a Pastor’s Heart
Trinity students find a variety of ways to supplement their incomes while in seminary. Many rely on work study, supply preaching, or part-time chaplaincy positions. But one student found part-time employment in a rather unusual place – state government.
 |
| Seth Gaiters pictured with Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. |
It appeared the M.Div. student had all the right qualifications. “They were looking for someone with a pastor’s heart,” said Seth. After all, many of those at the other end of the telephone are upset, disgruntled, and on the verge of tears – or rage.
Equipped with his undergraduate degree in psychology and a unit of CPE, Seth responded to constituent complaints about escalating gas prices and utility costs, and fielded concerns about controversial House Bill 545, which now places a cap on interest charged by pay-day lenders. Callers also weighed in on the advent of Keno gambling in Ohio. Of all the calls, however, none surprised the seminarian more than those received about Ohio’s fallen attorney general Marc Dann. “They wanted the governor to crucify this guy,” he said. He still can’t believe the hatred spewed toward the attorney general, whose office encountered a sexual harassment lawsuit in the spring. “I know he did wrong…but we’re all just one decision away from doing something stupid.” Seth said some callers wanted to challenge the governor. “A lot called to ask if he was going to run with Hillary,” he said. The majority, however, exhibited little knowledge about the state’s highest office.
“They want him to lower gas prices and make laws,” said Seth. To those callers, he provided a standard answer: “This is outside the governor’s jurisdiction. This is not a legal office…”
The difficult calls came from agencies like Big Brothers Big Sisters, now in financial distress due to the economy, and individuals and families unable to collect unemployment compensation or disability claims. He approached these calls with the same patience and listening skills he used during CPE. Ultimately, Seth said he has gained a greater understanding of how state agencies operate, and how individuals in need might seek assistance – all beneficial to his future as a pastor. Born in Zanesville, Ohio, and raised in Columbus, Seth seemed destined for a life of ministry. His father, Bishop James W. Gaiters Sr., is his pastor, and his grandfather, great grandmother and great great uncle all were pastors. As part of the Pentecostal tradition, Seth is not formally required to attend Trinity Lutheran Seminary in order to pastor. Internships and clinical pastoral experience are optional, but Seth chose to follow the most enriching and challenging academic path available to him at Trinity.
“I wanted greater breadth of knowledge and experience. I wanted to be challenged and to learn, and I wanted to be able to function in different circles with other believers,” he said. He enrolled at Trinity following his graduation from the Ohio State University, where he majored in psychology.
Seth was the only employee in constituent affairs without a legal background. His credentials, in many ways, mirror that of his boss. Gov. Strickland has a doctorate degree in psychology, and a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky. Among other things, the governor served as a Methodist minister before entering political life.
Seth said he has seen the governor pray with a co-worker and before meetings. “I am not the only Christian in the office,” he added. “There are many prayers going up in the governor’s office. And even though I’m not explicitly on the phone using religious language, I’m still doing it in the name of Jesus.”
Those in the governor’s office would like Seth to stay. He even was offered a full-time job as a supervisor, complete with his own office. He opted instead for an internship at the City of Refuge Church in Los Angeles, California, where he will spend this next year.