No matter the denomination, clergy shortages are a growing challenge across the country, especially in rural areas—and Journal Country is no exception. At one point last year, more churches in Britton were without a pastor than with one. Fortunately, that has started to change with the recent arrivals of two new pastors. In the past few months, St. John’s Lutheran Church and the United Methodist Church have both welcomed new leadership. In this week’s paper, the new Lutheran pastor shared his journeys to holiness and to the area.
Robert Moeller has stepped into the role of pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Britton. A South Dakota native, Moeller grew up on a farm between Madison and Brookings with dreams of following in his family’s agricultural footsteps. However, as a high school senior in the late 1970s, those plans were derailed when a banker bluntly told his father that pursuing farming would lead to financial ruin.
With that reality check, Moeller shifted gears and enrolled in Mitchell Tech’s business program. He went on to spend 13 years in agricultural sales, selling livestock, feed, and farm supplies while also raising a family. Though his career took a different path, his faith remained central in his life. Even as a child, he took church seriously—so much so that, as a teenager, he was responsible for getting his younger siblings to services.
As an adult, Moeller continued his active involvement, teaching Sunday school and serving in his congregation. His leadership skills didn’t go unnoticed. As president of the South Dakota Jaycees, he was an experienced public speaker, and his pastor saw potential in him. One day, the pastor asked him to deliver a sermon on his behalf. Moeller agreed, and the response was overwhelmingly positive—so much so that people began suggesting he consider the ministry full-time.
It was no small decision for Moeller and his wife, Aimee, especially with four young children at home.
“We took the leap of faith,” he recalled. The family packed up and moved to the Fort Wayne, Ind., area, where he enrolled at Concordia Theological Seminary to pursue ordination in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
While studying, Moeller worked on the Blessings family farm, often using his time on the tractor to mentally compose his seminary papers. In less than five years, he completed his studies and was ordained as a pastor.
Moeller’s pastoral journey then brought him back to South Dakota, where he spent ten years serving at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hartford. He then spent another 12 years ministering in southwest Minnesota. Reflecting on those long tenures, Moeller said he appreciated the opportunity to build lasting relationships. “It really takes about seven years before people know you well enough to form deep connections,” he noted.
The next chapter of his ministry led him to Britton, a town he was already familiar with from his travels with the Jaycees. He and his wife, Aimee, moved in November, and he began preaching just weeks before Christmas. In his first few months, Moeller has enjoyed the warm welcome from both the congregation and the wider community.
For those considering attending St. John’s Lutheran, Moeller describes the services as traditional and his preaching style as expository. “My goal is to explain scripture and apply it to our lives,” he said. “A lot of people feel like they don’t know the Bible as well as they’d like to, so I focus on teaching and making it accessible.” In line with that passion, he enjoys leading Bible studies and working with children. He also guest co-hosts a monthly Bible study on a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod radio station based out of St. Louis.
“The most rewarding part of the job is seeing people grow in their faith, especially when someone starts to take their faith seriously,” he emphasized.
Looking ahead, Moeller is preparing for midweek Lenten services and, further down the road, Vacation Bible School.
Outside of church, he enjoys walking his dog, running, hunting, fishing, and gardening. He and Aimee are eager to explore more of the area once the weather warms up. Family time is also a priority—especially with 13 grandchildren to keep up with.
Pastor Moeller welcomes anyone interested in attending services and getting to know him. Worship at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Britton is held Sundays at 11 a.m.
Check back in next week’s paper to learn about Britton’s new United Methodist pastor.
