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Full-time pastor and part-time gunfighter. These vocations might seem to be a paradox, especially in the modern era, but that is precisely what Corky Spitler, new interim pastor at Britton’s First Lutheran Church, has under his belt. Pastor Spitler’s journey to Britton is a long one, with many stops across the country. As he settles into First Lutheran, the pastor shared the story of what led him to northeast South Dakota.
Spitler was born in California but soon moved to Pennsylvania due to his father’s military career. This would foreshadow a life on the road that would be a constant for him. Fittingly, his earliest memory is looking out the window of a car.
After spending his formative years in the Philadelphia area, Spitler moved to Atlanta for college. He would eventually receive the call to the church. He was raised Lutheran and came from a family of deep faith, he explains. Yet, it was when reading the Bible that he was struck with what would be his mission in life. Isaiah 61 was the inspiration and when Spitler read about “preaching the good news,” he was so moved.
He would go on to attend Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, S.C. When he graduated in 1987, his first call was to a parish in Nashville. The new pastor admits it was a rough two-year stint, followed by another challenging post in Atlanta.
In the early 90’s, Spitler left the church for a few years, doing some significant soul-searching. He eased his way back into the ministry by accepting an interim position for a year, and then took a regular call. The next several years would involve Spitler traveling around the country, preaching the good word. He made stops in Mississippi, Texas and New York along the way. He and his wife raised their family as well.
Professionally, after some deep reflection, Spitler would change his affiliation from Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC).
As Spitler moved about the country, from parish to parish, he often accepted interim positions where he would be temporary pastor as a parish tried to find someone permanent. The pastor admits that he has a special knack for being an interim. “I have made a career of helping churches move between pastors,” he said. “I work to help congregations understand where they want to go.”
This is not always an easy process, Spitler acknowledges. “When a pastor leaves, there is a grieving process for the congregation, and you have to give them the opportunity for that.” He adds that his job is to become a part of the congregation, analyze it and help it move forward.
As he does that, Spitler embraces a unique, unconventional style. “I don’t robe, I like loud shirts, and I don’t preach from the pulpit,” he explained. It may be different, but it has worked for the pastor and the parishes he has served.
During his travels, Spitler engaged in some unexpected activities for a pastor, including being named “Best Outlaw” in Dodge City, Kansas. This title was purely for entertainment, as Spitler embraced his passion for the Old West by volunteering as a gunfighter at the Boot Hill Museum. Each summer, he and a group of fellow performers would stage multiple gunfights at the museum.
The five years he spent as a gunfighter were a special time for the pastor. “It was a powerful experience,” he emphasized. “I met people from all over the world and made many friends.”
Spitler brought his unique style to Britton just last month. An interim position in Georgia was nearing the end for him and he was talking with four congregations about calls. He felt that the South Dakota engagement was where he was being led, though he had never been to the area. “Years ago, we drove across Interstate 90 on a trip to the Black Hills and had visited the Corn Palace in Mitchell on another occasion,” he said.
Far northeast SD was unknown to him, but Spitler is working to get into the swing of things. “I’ve never lived in a town this small before,” he stressed. “It’s all pretty new and interesting.” He will serve a 12-month contract leading church services in Britton, at Pleasant Valley and in Lake City during the summer.
He looks forward to his time in the area and is eager to work with the parish to prepare them for the future. Spitler acknowledges that, like many denominations, the Lutheran Church faces significant challenges in finding clergy. “It is going to be tough for all of us going forward. There is a major shortage of pastors and not enough interims,” he said.
Outside of his church duties, Spitler finds relaxation in reading history and exploring historical sites. A big NASCAR fan, he hopes to attend a race again soon and also plans to make occasional trips back to Kansas, where his wife still resides.
While he is here, Spitler hopes to get to know his congregation and the people in the area. He encourages people to introduce themselves and he is always willing to share a meal.
Services at First Lutheran in Britton are Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. Pleasant Valley services are at 11 a.m. Sundays.
