Pastor Günzler is retiring after 13 years – farewell on Sunday!

Pastor Günzler is retiring after 13 years – farewell on Sunday!

Pastor Stephan Günzler from the Evangelical Church Community in Weingarten is retiring after 13 years. His farewell party will take place on Sunday, July 6th, at 3 p.m. in the Evangelical City Church. Dean Martin Hauff will relieve him of his duties in a ceremony. Günzler looks back on a time in which he valued numerous church services and encounters in the community. During his term in office, he successfully managed important projects such as the new construction of the Martin Luther community center and the opening of a Diakonie building. These projects were largely funded by donations from the community.

During his time in Weingarten, Günzler worked closely with Catholic parishes and other faith communities. He reported on the challenges that came with running three kindergartens with around 125 children. The shortage of skilled workers in child care was a major burden, and this year the church district's Diakonie took over the tasks in the kindergartens. “It is difficult to limit a pastor's working hours; he is often on duty at night,” noted Günzler.

Review of the term of office

The 66-year-old has survived in good health, although the number of members of the community has fallen from 6,000 to around 5,100. The declines are mainly the result of fewer births and relocations. For Günzler, it is important that the church remains flexible and maintains personal contacts. He does not see the reduction in pastoral positions as a problem as long as the positions are well filled. Social changes and changing interest in theological studies have led to a decline in the number of pastors.

In his future plans, Günzler would like to intensify his private contacts, read and experience nature. He also plans to ride his bike to visit relatives in Germany and learn new things. In retirement he moved to Bad Wurzach, where a new house was built on Gottesberg. He would also like to get involved musically and make new contacts. His advice to his successor, Eva Ulmer: be open to new challenges.

Personal background

Günzler grew up in a rectory in Heilbronn; his parents were theologians. He studied in Tübingen, Kiel, Heidelberg and Basel. His wife, Mechthild Vogt-Günzler, is also a theologian and teaches religion. The couple has a son who is a doctor and two daughters, a pharmacist and a theology student.

There are opportunities for retirees like Günzler to continue to devote themselves to pastoral work abroad, although many of the communities in question are small, vibrant and diverse. According to the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), pensioners can be commissioned for 10-month assignments, often from September to June. If desired, the assignment can be extended for another year. The commissioned clergy work mainly on a voluntary basis and receive a small financial remuneration. EKD informs interested pastors about these options, which could offer an exciting perspective for retirement.