Andrew Paterno is fulfilling his calling.
The 29-year-old Waynesboro man is serving as pastor of Waynesboro Church of the Brethren.
Paterno began the journey during his final semester at Juniata College in Huntingdon, where he graduated with a degree in political science.
“I was in my room. I liked to do a lot of studying on different topics and when I heard the gospel, everything made sense and that’s when I knew I was saved,” added Paterno, who referenced Romans 10:17 – “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of God.”
Confident that the spirit came to him, Paterno also acknowledged that at the time, his walk was far from over. “I knew I wasn’t mature enough, so I had to spend time studying and waiting to take steps to fulfill the calling.”
Paterno, a full time warehouse worker after graduation, said he studied the Bible for three years. “I watched a lot of different pastors from different denominations … why they believe what they believe. It wasn’t just learning from one source.
“When I felt I was ready, I walked from my house to the church. When I got there the pastor was on vacation and the substitute preacher was Matt Baker – he helped coach me in high school. When I saw that he was preaching, I felt like ‘you know him and he understands you and coached you before.’ I felt it was meant to be … that I could go there and stay there,” said Paterno, who played football at Waynesboro Area Senior High School (WASHS) and at Juniata. He is the defensive line coach for the WASHS football team.
“After a couple of Sundays attending church, I met with the pastor and told him I felt the call to the ministry and that I was ready.” He eventually started working part time with former pastor John Weber.
“I went through the ACTS (Academy Certified Training Systems) program of Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center. It was during the pandemic and a lot of the courses were by Zoom. They are specifically designed for pastors who work full time. It’s one class at a time. The teachers were also pastors with up to date experiences. I completed the program – it was one year of discernment and four years of courses. This was all working towards ordination.”
During that time, Paterno was youth director and pastor and today, continues to do Bible studies with the youth – wife Makaylyn leads youth activities. Paterno was installed as interim pastor after Weber resigned in June 2023. “I knew I would have to start filling the pastoral void. I felt ready for it, but knew I had a lot to learn.
“You need to have a call to be a pastor,” noted Paterno, who received a call vote of 95 percent from the congregation May 19. Paterno will be interviewed by the Southern Pennsylvania District Ministry Board of the Church of the Brethren June 20. “Then there will be a vote by the congregation on the call for ordination followed by an interview with the district board.” An installment ceremony will be held at the end of July at the church at 117 S. Church St.
As ordination nears, Paterno reflected on the past few years. “Becoming a pastor was the furthest thing from my mind – I had no idea. But that’s the way things happen. I feel really confident moving forward. My biggest challenge will be to make sure that the spiritual flourishing and well being of the congregation is my primary goal.”
Paterno would like to increase the church’s outreach on social media. “For instance, people would be able to access my Bible study video series online.”
He believes “Jesus satisfies all of our needs. He is our rest. We are constantly searching, but when we find him, we can rest. Our rest is in him.”
