Trombones, a career in wholesale management, and a call to the ministry. You might be wondering what these three items have in common. While each requires great dedication, they all find their answer in Rev. Dr. Daren Flinck. A musician and a businessman, Flinck has also spent the last 30+ years in the pastoral ministry. However, his journey to the ministry was not immediate. His career began in the wholesale business realm. Although his hometown pastor had once asked Flinck if he had ever considered pursuing the ministry, Flinck didn’t see how additional education would fit into his already busy schedule. He was working nights at the time and was also trying to balance family responsibilities. But soon he decided that if this was truly God’s calling, God would make a way. He prayed and said, “Lord, if this is something you want me to do, help me not to an obstacle.”
Soon after, Flinck’s boss moved him to work the day shift. It was an answer to prayer. Soon after, he was accepted at the College of Saint Scholastica. For 12 years, Flinck had worked in the wholesale business department. Reflecting on that season of his life, he noted that it was now “time to answer a different calling.” After graduating from the College of Saint Scholastica with a completed four-year degree, Flinck continued on to earn his Master of Divinity as well as earning his doctorate. Rev. Dr. Flinck spent 34 years in full-time ministry before he decided to retire two years ago.
However, the period of retirement didn’t last long, as Rev. Dr. Flinck was asked to return to the ministry. Today, he serves part-time at the Kenyon United Methodist Church (UMC), and in June of this year, he was asked to also serve at the Dodge Center UMC. Rev. Dr. Flinck also serves as a supplemental chaplain for Mayo Clinic. He has been involved in many aspects of the ministry, including the MN UMC Conference, various camping efforts, and he now serves on the Kenyon Foundation Board, which helps to bring funding to the Kenyon area. He is also a member of the Rochester Community Band and Trombones Anonymous, where he continues to use his trombone skills. He is currently interested in more ways to get involved in the Dodge Center community. He hopes to join the ministerial group in Dodge Center and also find ways to help the sister churches in the area. Reflecting on his time with the Dodge Center UMC, he says, “I do see a very dedicated group of leadership that are really working hard to do the right things, and I think they are doing the right things.” Rev. Dr. Flinck notes that he has learned a lot in his time serving the local UMC churches, and he is eager to continue to learn. Eventually, the goal will be for each of the local UMC churches to find new clergy. However, for the time being, he says, “ I’m just an ordinary guy with an extraordinary message.” Rev. Dr. Flinck continues to be willing to share that message.
