YCP@Work: Ryan Heycock, Pastor

Ryan Heycock graduated an English major from York College in 2006. He is currently a Pastor at Bender's and St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Churches of Biglerville, PA.

What made you choose a degree in this field?

I pursued a BA in English as I had a love of reading and writing as a child and while in high school. I discerned a call to ordained ministry several years after graduating from YCP, and was accepted to United Lutheran Seminary in the fall of 2014 as an M.Div. candidate.

How have you used your York College education since graduating?

The education that I received as an undergrad at YCP has proven itself invaluable during my time as a seminarian, and now as a pastor, specifically in my text study and exegesis of scripture for sermons, as well as in writing pastoral missives to the congregations.

What is most challenging about a career in this field?

One of the most challenging things about this type of work is the demands that pastoral ministry can put on one's personal life - e.g., you may get a call on your day off that a parishioner is in the hospital, in crisis, or otherwise requires spiritual and pastoral care and consolation.

What do you like best about your career?

While I love the church's worship (e.g., the traditional Lutheran liturgy of the Divine Service), I most enjoy the fellowship of the congregation outside of worship, as well as the mutual work the Gospel that we share as the church.

What advice would you have for a student who is just starting out in this major?

Consider how this major (English) can be applied to various fields and occupations.