Your new pastoral columnist

Hello, readers of the Roseau Times-Region! I’m Pastor Gus Booth. As your new pastoral columnist and an unworthy replacement for Pastor Joe Elick, I’m endeavoring to share a bit about myself and the journey I’ve been on.

But first my ode and connection to Pastor Joe. I went on a missions trip to Haiti with his church about 12 years ago. That trip changed my life, I met lifelong friends and grew deeper in my relationship with my then teenage daughter. Without Pastor Joe I would not have experienced that life developing trip. I honor him!

And as I try to live up to his columns, please know that I won’t. I will do my best but my best will not be as good as his. His wisdom - I hope to one day have but today is not that day. I ask for your prayers to live up to his example, please. I know you’re resting in peace my brother and I’m looking forward to spending more time with you when I rest in peace.

Imagine how we can compare notes from our columns in the same newspaper when we are in His presence sipping coffee (there is certainly coffee in heaven, haha) on the deck of our, Christ prepared, heavenly homes. Love you brother!

As an author of “Shhh, Be Quiet Christian: How the Church's Message of Love is Becoming the World's Message to Hate”, I’ve dedicated my life to exploring the intersections of faith and culture. In a time when divisive narratives seem to dominate, I believe it’s essential to emphasize the message of love and compassion that should define our lives as Christians.

With over 24 years of experience as a pastor, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside many individuals as they navigate their faith journeys. Growing up in a nurturing environment, with a stay-at-home mom and Marine Corps father, I was instilled with values that shaped my understanding of love, community and country. I strive to reflect these principles in my ministry and writing, addressing the challenges we face in a world that can often seem at odds with our beliefs.

In my book, “Shhh, Be Quiet Christian”, I tackle the tension between the church's foundational message of love and the harsh realities many Christians encounter today. My hope is to challenge us all to reflect on how our actions align with the teachings of Jesus. It’s crucial that we recognize how easily love can be distorted or weaponized in today’s discourse.

Save Christ, family is my greatest joy. I’m a proud father of four and a grandfather to one delightful grandson. My family inspires me every day, and I cherish the moments we share as we navigate life together. Family vacations are so important to us that we budget for them every year and still go even if we can’t afford it (is that an “Oh my or Oh yeah!?!?!”). I often find that the lessons I impart to my children are the same ones I hope to convey in my writing—values of compassion, kindness, and resilience.

For the past seven years, I’ve also embraced the role of a fitness coach. This has allowed me to blend my passion for spiritual growth with physical well-being. I believe that caring for our bodies is important; after all, the Bible reminds us that our bodies are His temples to be honored. Through fitness coaching, I encourage individuals to embrace a holistic approach to health, recognizing that both body and spirit play vital roles in a fulfilling life.

Another important passion to share is that I work with The Arcue Group as a Human Resources professional. Here, I focus on fostering healthy workplace environments, emphasizing respect and growth. My experience in HR aligns beautifully with my pastoral work; both require empathy, understanding, and effective communication. I’ve found that creating a culture of encouragement—whether in the church or the workplace—can make a significant impact on people’s lives.

Through my writing here, I will aim to produce encouraging expository columns that draw from biblical principles, offering guidance for living in a culture that often strays from those roots. My goal is to make the wisdom of the Bible accessible and relevant, bridging ancient teachings with the challenges we face today. Many individuals are seeking clarity in a complex world, and I hope my columns can serve as a guiding light for you.

As we navigate our lives in this ever-evolving world, I believe that the messages of love, kindness, and understanding are more crucial than ever. I am committed to amplifying these themes in my writing, and I hope to inspire readers to look beyond the noise and find common ground in our shared humanity.

In the coming weeks, months and prayerfully years, I look forward to sharing insights on pressing issues—whether it's the influence of technology on our relationships, the importance of community engagement, or the need for self-care in a fast-paced world. I invite you to join me on this journey of reflection and engagement, as we seek to embody the love that should be the cornerstone of our Christian faith.

Thank you for welcoming me into your lives through this column. I’m excited to connect, encourage, and uplift our community, reminding us all that love can triumph over hate. Whether you’re a longtime believer or simply looking for inspiration, I hope my insights resonate deeply with you and help guide you on your own journey. Together, let’s explore how we can live out the profound message of love that our faith calls us to share.

As a final note, I’m on the Warroad Public School Board (District 690), I love to paddleboard, I love the ocean and even though I was a scholarshipped college football player (Bemidji State University) I still don’t know much about hockey. Forgive me, but after 24 years in a hockey community, I simply don’t like being cold while watching sporting events (I’m a heat freak that grew up in California and would prefer 100 degrees vs. 70 degrees). Last year’s Mr. Hockey, Jayson Shaugabay, attended our church his entire life. He still does when he’s in town. I’m hoping that fact will let the numerous hockey fans allow me to speak to them instead of resenting me for liking football more than hockey, ha (Skol!!!!!!!!!!).

Feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] for any and all reasons.

And finally…I love you!