Matthew Lucio with AI
ILC Assistant to the President for Communication
The Illinois Conference is proud to recommend two pastors, Rodney Balmes (Hinsdale Fil-Am) and Felipe Soares (North Shore), to the Lake Union for ordination in early 2025. "Ordination is an affirmation of the fruitfulness of ministry," according to Pete Braman, ILC's Ministerial Director and chair of the Ordination Review Committee. The Committee met with both pastors for months before making the recommendation to the Illinois Conference administration. Administration approved and passed the recommendation to the Lake Union, which is the organizational unit within the denomination responsible for approving ordinations.
Rodney Balmes: A Calling Affirmed
Rodney Balmes’ journey into pastoral ministry began with a realization that he was more naturally interested in the church and theology than his chosen field of study. God led Rodney through a series of events that affirmed his interest as a calling.
Since 2015, Rodney has served faithfully as a pastor, pouring his heart into his ministry. For him, ordination is a profound affirmation of his calling. “I have full assurance from God that this is exactly what He has called me to do,” Rodney shares. “To have the passion for ministry and my community affirming that passion is a feeling like none other. It gives me confidence that God loves me and that I’m a child of God.”
Rodney’s ordination is a testament to his faithfulness and the fruit of God’s work in his life.
Felipe Soares: A Journey of Faith and Discovery
For Felipe Soares, the call to ministry was something he resisted for many years. Growing up in a small church of 30 people in Long Island, New York, Felipe loved serving his local church but struggled to believe that God could use him in full-time ministry. It wasn’t until he faced a crisis at the age of 20 that God used his former boss to challenge him. In an unexpected moment, his boss spoke words of encouragement, seeing in Felipe a potential for ministry that Felipe himself had not yet recognized.
In the fall of 2012, Felipe decided to step out in faith, giving pastoral ministry a try. “At first, I entered the ministry to know God’s plan for me,” he recalls. “Today, after having the opportunity to impact the lives of young people and families, I can confirm that God has a plan!”
Having served full-time in the Illinois Conference for almost six years, Felipe views his ordination as both an honor and a confirmation. “It reflects that the time, effort, and resources I have put into caring for my church and school community are seen and affirmed. For that, I am very grateful,” he says.
A Celebration of God’s Faithfulness
The ordination of Rodney Balmes and Felipe Soares is not just a recognition of their dedication but also a celebration of God’s faithfulness in their lives. It is a moment of affirmation for their calling and a reminder that God equips those He calls.
We invite you to celebrate with us as we honor these two extraordinary servants of God. May their ministry continue to flourish as they lead others to experience the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
Both ordinations will take place in early 2025 in their respective churches.
Please send any news items of what God is doing around the Illinois Conference to communication@ilcsda.org.