Tia Felberg: Embracing God's Grace and Finding Our True Identity

 Welcome to this heartfelt reflection inspired by a recent faith conversation with Pastor Tia Felberg. Tia’s story is a powerful reminder of how God's grace meets us in our everyday lives, no matter where we are on our spiritual journey.

About Tia Felberg

Tia is a dedicated United Methodist pastor serving three churches in northeast South Dakota. She’s a wife, mother of four boys—including a set of lively triplets—and a woman deeply committed to living out her faith authentically. Her journey into ministry was unexpected but profoundly impactful, especially during the challenging times of COVID-19.

The Journey to Ministry and Motherhood

Tia’s story begins in Willow Lake, where she grew up singing in her small church. Music and community rooted her faith early on, planting seeds that would grow over the years. Her life took many turns—college, experiencing different worship styles, and raising her family—shaping her understanding of God's diverse ways of meeting us. One of her most remarkable moments was discovering she was pregnant with triplets on the day she closed on a new house. The surprise and joy were overwhelming, and she reflects on how God's grace was evident through those big, healthy boys. Now, at fifteen, they are giants and a testament to God's goodness.

Faith in Action: Listening, Serving, and Growing

Tia’s calling into ministry was a gradual unfolding. After years of working as a social worker, she felt the nudging of the Holy Spirit during a casual conversation with her pastor, who encouraged her to consider pastoral ministry. Despite the uncertainties—especially during a global pandemic—she stepped into her calling, serving multiple churches and navigating the unique challenges of online worship. Her days are filled with planning services, leading Bible studies, offering pastoral counseling, and connecting with her community—both in person and virtually. What she loves most is the opportunity to listen deeply and meet people where they are, often reminding her that "you don't need to behave to belong."

Recharging and Staying Connected to God

For Tia, her spiritual recharge comes through worship music, prayer, and intentional stillness. She practices being quiet after her church services, praying over the pews and centering herself in God's presence. She emphasizes the importance of intentionally creating space for God amid busy schedules.

Addressing Tough Questions: Why Do Hard Things Happen?

A poignant part of her conversation was addressing a question from her son: "If there's a God, why does He allow hard things to happen?" Tia shared a thoughtful perspective: instead of thinking of God's plan as orchestrating suffering, she reframes it—God has a plan for it all, meaning He can use even our pain and scars to meet others and bring healing. She encourages us to remember that in our hardest moments, we are never truly alone. God’s presence is with us, even when we don’t understand His ways.

Loving People Where They Are

Tia’s heart for ministry is rooted in unconditional love and acceptance. She advocates for churches to meet people where they are—whether that’s inviting someone into a worship service, sharing a kind word, or simply being present. She emphasizes that “you don’t need to believe the same to belong,” creating safe spaces for all. Her own journey includes embracing her imperfections and leaning into the call God has on her life, even when it means stepping outside traditional expectations. She reminds us that God can use anyone—regardless of past mistakes or current struggles—to build His kingdom.

Walking in Our New Identity in Christ

Tia beautifully describes her understanding of identity in Christ: recognizing the old self, with its mistakes and baggage, is gone, and walking fully in the new. She likens it to reprogramming a high school basketball player’s memory—erase the missed shots and affirm their potential. She encourages us to let go of past failures, to hand them over to God, and to step into the newness He offers. This ongoing renewal is essential in our faith walk.

Closing Thoughts

Tia’s message is simple yet profound: love people well, meet them where they are, and remember your worth as a beloved child of God. In a world that often feels lonely, her encouragement is to be kind, extend grace, and live out your faith authentically.

A Prayer to Close

Let us conclude with a prayer inspired by Tia’s words: God, thank You for bringing us together today. Thank You for the gift of community, and for reminding us of our worth as Your beloved children. Help us to love others as You love us—to meet them where they are and to reflect Your grace in all we do. Give us courage to let go of past mistakes and to walk confidently in the new identity You’ve given us. May Your presence sustain us, and may we be vessels of Your love in this world. Amen.