Karen Nyhart

While most little girls her age were dressing up as princesses, as a child Karen Nyhart wanted to be a nun. “I wanted to always say the meal blessings, I made the pets pray before they got their meals, and I had my Dad teach me a variety of bedtime prayers,” says Old Mission’s Associate Pastor. “Prayer became a ‘habit’ of mine. Finally, my Dad told me that I could not be a Nun.  He said, ‘You can’t be a Nun, we’re Methodist!’” While Karen admits her fascination with these pious women was probably partly due to the popular movie “The Sound of Music,” it seems something much larger was at work.

Later, as a young adult, Karen met a man in her church who was a missionary from China, and that opened her eyes to missionary work. But she thought she’d marry a minister or missionary. As it turns out, her husband did!

“When I was expecting our third child, I really felt God calling me into the ministry,” she says. “At first I thought this was a crazy idea, after all I had two toddlers at home and I was expecting a third child! But God’s call was very strong. I even tried to get others to convince me that maybe God wasn’t calling me into the ministry, but instead I only got affirmations — affirmations from ministers, friends, family, and even my husband.  He was my biggest encourager. After Michael was born, I started seminary and working part-time as a Children’s Director at our church. Then in 2003, I was ordained as clergy in the United Methodist Church. I love sharing the love of Christ with people.”

After growing up in Chicago and then spending 13 years in Ft. Worth, Texas, Karen found Old Mission when her husband was transferred to the Kansas City area.

Sunday School is one of the great attributes at Old Mission, Karen says. “Our Sunday School classes not only meet together on Sunday mornings, but they meet together outside of the church for fellowship and fun. These Sunday school classes have supported one another over the years through many hardships like the loss of a spouse, sickness, divorce, and raising children. They have laughed together and cried together.  They truly know what it means to be disciples of Jesus Christ.”

Today, Karen oversees the church’s Christian Education programs and the Evangelism ministry. She also assists in worship, weddings and funeral services; leads the Stephen Ministry program; leads the Old Mission Academy program; visits congregation members; preaches; leads adult classes; and leads the confirmation class.

More fun facts about Karen:

What’s your favorite food(s)?

Mexican food, chocolate, and coffee — especially Starbuck’s coffee.

What are some of your favorite movies?

“Chocolate” (of course), “The Sound of Music,” “The Wizard of Oz,” and “Casablanca”

What’s your favorite sports team?

The Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs

Who inspires you?

My mother-in-law. She always has a good outlook on life, and a good attitude. I don’t think I have ever seen her grumpy or rude. She also has such a servant heart. She is always willing to help, no matter what the project is or what time it is. She truly believes and lives out the golden rule.

What is your idea of a perfect day?

A day to spend time with my family with out cell phone coverage or computers, whether it is hiking in the woods or mountains, swimming at the beach, or playing games together.

Tell us about your family...

I have been married to Scott for almost 18 years.  Scott is the Engineering Manager at Bushnell. We have three children. Sarah is a senior in high school and enjoys playing in the band and playing the piano. Rachel is a sophomore in high school and she enjoys playing soccer, drama, and playing in the band. Michael is in 8th grade and he enjoys Boy Scouts, playing basketball, playing outside, singing in the choir, and playing in the band.