SENSE OF CALL- CRE

By Corey Bartell

It is a profound honor to be invited by the Mountain Laurel Presbytery to reflect upon my

vocational journey toward becoming a Commissioned Ruling Elder (CRE). My path began at the

age of sixteen, when I first served as an organist for a local Catholic parish in West Scranton. By

eighteen, I had expanded my ministry to serve two distinct congregations, a period of formative

years that deepened my musical and spiritual foundations. However, it was during my tenure as

Music Director for the former Providence United Presbyterian Church in Scranton, beginning in

2011, that I truly began to cultivate a deep affinity for the Presbyterian tradition. As I served as

both a Deacon and an Elder, I found myself increasingly inspired by the visiting ministers,

eventually feeling a quiet nudge to explore the pulpit myself. When our pastor was unavailable

one Sunday, I composed a brief message for the congregation; their warm reception served as

the first external affirmation of a burgeoning call.

Following the departure of our pastor and secretary, I felt a responsibility to support the

life of the church in any capacity required. As I began preaching more frequently, I experienced

a powerful sense of the Holy Spirit speaking through my words. Observing the emergence of

the CRE program within the Lackawanna Presbytery, I sought guidance from the pastor of

Hickory Presbyterian Church. This led me to a rigorous two-year training program through the

Northumberland Presbytery, involving comprehensive remote coursework and practical

worship training in Williamsport. Upon completing my studies, I joined the pulpit supply list and

began a dedicated period of itinerant ministry throughout the Presbytery.

During this time, Moosic Presbyterian Church became a frequent site for my ministry,

eventually leading to the joyous invitation to serve as their pastor. I accepted this call with

immense gratitude. While I continue to serve as a full-time music educator and occasionally

provide substitute organist services, my background in sacred music remains integral to my

ministry. My early immersion in the beauty of church music fostered a deep appreciation for

the richness of our various rites and liturgies, ultimately clarifying and affirming my transition

into commissioned pastoral leadership.

The skills I honed as a music director—attentive listening, providing counsel, and the

technical art of liturgical planning—remain the cornerstones of my current service. Today, I am

privileged to hold space for the prayers of my community, offer biblical guidance, and

collaborate with my staff to craft meaningful worship services. I remain ever thankful to God for

the gift of music and for the diverse qualities that allow me to serve faithfully as a Commissioned

Ruling Elder.

-Corey Bartell