Faith, Family, and Calling: Ryan & Danny Quanstrom on Pastoral Ministry (Part 1)

What’s it like growing up in a pastor’s home—and then becoming a pastor yourself? In this special family edition of The Pastor’s Table, Rev. Tara Beth Leach takes the lead, sitting down with Ryan & Danny Quanstrom, both senior pastors in Michigan and the sons of co-host Dr. Mark Quanstrom. This conversation explores how faith is formed in the home, the unexpected twists in their calls to ministry, and what shaped their theological vision for pastoring today. It’s an inside look at the joys, struggles, and surprises of answering the call—especially when you grew up in the church. 🎙️ In This Episode: What it was like growing up in a pastor’s home—the good, the bad, and the unexpected. How Ryan & Danny’s call to ministry unfolded (and why it wasn’t always a straight path). The tension of pastoral identity, academic ambition, and finding where you truly belong. A glimpse into their ministry contexts—from suburban Grand Rapids to a rural county seat. 📌 Highlights: [00:05:00] A 5-year-old Ryan leads his friend to Jesus—right before jumping off a garage. [00:12:00] Danny planned to be a history teacher—but God had other ideas. [00:21:00] Wrestling with pastoral calling vs. academic ambition—and how they reconciled both. [00:28:00] The unique challenges of pastoring in Grand Rapids vs. small-town Michigan. 💡 Takeaway: Ministry isn’t always a straight path, and pastors don’t all come from the same mold—even in the same family. Whether you grew up in the church or came to ministry later in life, God’s call often weaves through unexpected places. 📖 Next Week: What theological convictions shape Ryan & Danny’s pastoral leadership today? Join us for Part 2, where we dig into the theological frameworks that guide their ministry.