Rev. Judy Sayler

For Judy Sayler, the path toward ministry began long before she officially became a licensed local pastor. Looking back, she can see the many ways that faith, music, and service were woven throughout her life from the very beginning. 

“I have known all along that God was my path, even as a child. I even wrote spiritual poetry when I was little,” Judy shared. 

Growing up in Sioux Falls, Judy found herself drawn deeply to church life and spirituality from an early age. Living near the North American Baptist Seminary and First United Methodist Church, she spent countless hours immersed in music and worship. 

Music quickly became one of the central ways Judy expressed her faith. Alongside her twin sister, she played piano and organ, accompanied choir rehearsals, taught music lessons during high school, and even wrote songs for youth caravans at church. 

“I always thought that was what I should do—music,” she said. 

After graduating from Washington High School, Judy attended Dakota Wesleyan University, where she studied philosophy and religion with a minor in music. Though she left college early after getting married, her connection to ministry continued to grow. 

When her previous husband attended St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Judy worked as the seminary’s faculty secretary, reading theology textbooks, typing exams, and immersing herself in the life of the seminary community. 

Eventually, they returned to South Dakota, where they served in Wakonda, Irene, and Viborg. Even before entering licensed ministry herself, Judy was deeply involved in the church through music leadership, lay speaking, and teaching. 

Pastor Judy sharing in the sacrament of baptism.

That evolution became something more formal in 2014 during a charge conference meeting when Judy learned there might not be anyone available to serve the churches. 

“I felt myself rising from the pew,” she recalled. “It was like God just pulled me up, and I said, ‘You do if you’ll have me.’” 

She answered the call, entered licensing school and Course of Study, and officially began pastoral ministry. Over the years, Judy’s ministry has been marked by creativity, hospitality, and a deep commitment to relationships across the wider community. One of the ministries she is most passionate about is “God’s Kids Under Construction,” an ecumenical youth program serving children from throughout the area. 

“We’ve got probably between 15 and 20 kids,” Judy shared. “None of them belong to our church, nor do their parents. These kids come on their own. They come on their trikes, they come on their bikes, and they do not miss.” 

The ministry includes meals, crafts, music, lessons, and mentorship from older youth leaders—many of whom continue returning even after graduating. 

“The kids call it their church,” she said. 

Judy also created “Chat Room,” a weekly church conversation centered on current events, scripture, and respectful dialogue. 

“It’s respectful conversation about a hard topic, and the men of the church have really taken that on,” she explained. 

Beyond formal ministry, Judy has helped foster community through coffee gatherings, brunches, painting parties, outreach ministries, and mission projects—all centered around creating connections and welcoming people into relationships with one another. 

“We are too tight, we are too close,” she recalled telling a church group. “I want you to invite people from other churches and people who don’t go to church.” 

Ministry for Pastor Judy means being an active part of the community.

That openness reflects Judy’s understanding of the church’s role today. 

“The church should be about getting outside your church doors,” she said. “It’s seeing God in everyone.” 

As she reflects on her ministry, Judy encourages clergy to trust younger generations and create space for their leadership. 

“Be open to youth and their ideas. You have to engage them,” she said. “You have to let them do it.” 

For those discerning a call to ministry, her advice is simple, but deeply rooted in her own journey. 

“Be open to every place that God is,” she shared. “Notice God in your everyday life.” 

Though officially retiring, Judy has no plans to fully step away from ministry. She hopes to continue serving while also making more time for rest, gardening, travel, and family. 

With three children, thirteen grandchildren, and great-grandchildren on the way, Judy’s life remains full of energy, creativity, and connection. Across decades of service—both formal and informal—her ministry has reflected a deep belief that God is present everywhere and that ministry happens far beyond the walls of the church. 

“You don’t have to be in a church to be relevant,” Judy said. “Every step that I took, I saw that.”