Press release
Bucyrus has gained an exciting new community resource with the installation of Pastor Renee Ahern at Good Hope Lutheran Church on May 1. Pastor Renee not only holds a Master of Divinity degree in Theology from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, but also a Master of Science in Community Counseling from the University of Dayton and a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change from Antioch University. Her areas of study throughout her educational preparation include grief resilience in children and adults, and leadership. She is a licensed professional clinical counselor. A short summary of Pastor Renee’s work experiences prior to accepting the call to serve at Good Hope show a deep commitment to these areas of human need.
Pastor Renee began her path by working with children and youth during her internship at Peace Lutheran Church in Gahanna. She then became Peace’s Associate Pastor, working with families, children and youth for five years. Following that, she was an Associate Pastor, then a Co-Pastor and then Senior Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Marysville; the school had an enrollment of 350 students, ages three through sixth grade. She has been a Chaplain at Mount Carmel East Hospital as well as a Bereavement Coordinator. Pastor Renee has been a part of the Counseling Program, providing medical and counseling services for the health and well-being of the Trinity Lutheran Seminary community. Most recently, she has been a therapist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Center for Healthy Eating, Columbus.
A list of degrees and work experiences does not adequately express all there is to know about Pastor Renee. Perhaps her comment on Linked In provides more light. “I love my work!” she exclaims.
Pastor Renee is married to the Rev. Dr. Bob Ahern. Bob teaches full time in the masters in Social Work Program at Ohio State University. They have three sons—Rob (Katelin), Luke (Kelsey) and Marty. They also have three grandsons.
The installation service on May 1 included the Reverend Cathy Schibler, Assistant to the Bishop, Northwestern Ohio Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. A joyous meal followed the service and included family, guests and excited Good Hope and community members. Part of the skill set that Trinity Seminary develops in its graduates is “to provide capable pastoral leadership in both ministry settings and the public realm.” Good Hope is eager to share the expertise that Pastor Renee brings to our community.