Pastor Tonia Fisher
Accepted Christ and began my walk with Him as a senior in High School. Was a leader of the high School groups at First Covenant Church in Billings.
I immediately wanted to share the Good News. Volunteered at rest homes during High School.
During the summer after graduation I spent a week at Arrowhead, Ca with Campus Crusade for Christ. This further confirmed my desire to serve the Lord.
Went to Montana Institute of the Bible where I received comprehensive Bible training. Studies included in depth bible classes, both world and church history, theology, ministry, psychology, mission work, cults & comprehensive religion and Christian Education.
During my time as MIG I was the team leader for a competitive Bible memorization team at First Covenant.
Worked at then Eastern Montana College as Office Administrator in the Office of Information – which handled Media and events for the college. Continued to be involved with the church and CoUniBus, an inter-denominational group of young people, which met to study, share and worship.
Spent one summer with Greater Europe Missions in England. We worked with the youth in and around Romford, Essex. We worked with the youth in several neighborhoods, much like our Vacation Bible School.
Married in 1980 moved to Miles City. Worked at Gamble-Robinson, a grocery wholesale company, for five years, then for the Nurse Anesthetist as a secretary. In Miles City, I was involved at Grace Bible Church. I put on the Christmas pageants and other dramatic presentations. I led Bible studies and was active in the women’s group.
While in Miles City, I ran for and was elected to the Montana State legislature. I served on term and then we moved back to Billings.
I began attending St. Lukes Episcopal Church in 1989. I realized I worshipped and learned the best through the liturgical church.
I made my Cursillo in February 1990. I went on to serve on the Secretariat and to serve two weekends as Rectora. I am currently the Spiritual Director of the Via d Christo Secretariat.
At St. Lukes, I served on the vestry and was on their call committee. I served as Christian Education Director and was involved in Bible studies. During this time, I took the Education for Ministry (EFM) program through the University of the South, a theological university in Tennessee. This is an in-depth 4-year program covering the New Testament, Old Testament, Church History and Theology. This course is attended mostly by Lutherans, Catholics and Episcopalians. The training is at Seminary level.
In 1997 my husband, Allan and I joined King of Glory Lutheran Church in Billings. The teachings and manner of teaching of Martin Luther appealed to me. It is challenging and comforting. The presentation of Law and Grace in each text meets the needs of the entire body – touching the mind and the spirit. I attended Bible Studies, directed Christmas pageants, was involved in their VBS program, and taught an Adult Forum series on the Gifts of the Spirit. I have served as a delegate to several State Synod conventions. I served on their call committee.
I went with their youth group on a work mission to Cortez, Colorado. Here we served in the community by painting homes and teaching VBS programs. It was also an opportunity to serve as a spiritual mentor to the young people.
In 2004 I began a two-year study to become a Lay Pastoral Associate. The study included the Bible, History of Christianity, and Lutheran Theology. The course of study included mentoring on: Planning and leading Bible Study, preparation for preaching, visitation, prayer and the care of souls, and teaching of catechism.
After finishing this course, one is able to present Word and Sacrament to the church. We can perform baptisms and funerals, which I have done. The main call for an LPA is pulpit fill. Hospital and shut-in visitation is another use of an LPA. I have taken this ministry very seriously and make visits each week. LPA’s fill a great need within the church today.
LPA’s are required to take continuing Education courses. Further studies have included, Lutheran Ethics, the study of Lutheran worship, Preaching, Luther, Being Lutheran, and a variety of coursework on ministering. Most classes are led by professors from Luther Seminary.
In 2008 I went to New Orleans with Rise Up and Build. This organization went to the Gulf Coast for a few years following Katrina for clean up and rebuilding.
In 2009 I went with our High School group to New Orleans for the ELCA Youth Gathering. We worked, we worshipped, we studied and we served the Lord in all we did.
Since completing the LPA training, with the support and encouragement of my Pastor, I have pursued seminary. I long to further my formal education for ministry; however, I believe my gifts, talents, and experience have prepared me to serve and it is my desire to do so.
Mostly through politics and the theatre I have been given many leadership roles, I have proven my ability to guide, direct, organize, and complete a project. I am able to work with people to accomplish a goal.
There is much to be done at St. James and we have people with a vision who, I believe, can accomplish the goals we set. I would like to offer my help as we answer the call which has been given to us.
Work Experience:
8/74- 12/79 Office Administrator, EMC, Office of Information
10/85 – 2/89 Office Manager, Southeastern Montana Anesthesia Assoc., Miles City, MT
1/87 - 1/89 State Representative – Custer County, MT
1/90 – 7/90 Assistant Manager of Office Operations, US Census Bureau of the Census
8/10 – present Municipal Infraction/File Clerk, Billings Municipal Court
7/10 – present Office Assistant, the Family Tree Center
6/10 – present Personal Shopper, CJ Banks
9-96 – present Drama Coach, Billings Central Catholic High School
I immediately wanted to share the Good News. Volunteered at rest homes during High School.
During the summer after graduation I spent a week at Arrowhead, Ca with Campus Crusade for Christ. This further confirmed my desire to serve the Lord.
Went to Montana Institute of the Bible where I received comprehensive Bible training. Studies included in depth bible classes, both world and church history, theology, ministry, psychology, mission work, cults & comprehensive religion and Christian Education.
During my time as MIG I was the team leader for a competitive Bible memorization team at First Covenant.
Worked at then Eastern Montana College as Office Administrator in the Office of Information – which handled Media and events for the college. Continued to be involved with the church and CoUniBus, an inter-denominational group of young people, which met to study, share and worship.
Spent one summer with Greater Europe Missions in England. We worked with the youth in and around Romford, Essex. We worked with the youth in several neighborhoods, much like our Vacation Bible School.
Married in 1980 moved to Miles City. Worked at Gamble-Robinson, a grocery wholesale company, for five years, then for the Nurse Anesthetist as a secretary. In Miles City, I was involved at Grace Bible Church. I put on the Christmas pageants and other dramatic presentations. I led Bible studies and was active in the women’s group.
While in Miles City, I ran for and was elected to the Montana State legislature. I served on term and then we moved back to Billings.
I began attending St. Lukes Episcopal Church in 1989. I realized I worshipped and learned the best through the liturgical church.
I made my Cursillo in February 1990. I went on to serve on the Secretariat and to serve two weekends as Rectora. I am currently the Spiritual Director of the Via d Christo Secretariat.
At St. Lukes, I served on the vestry and was on their call committee. I served as Christian Education Director and was involved in Bible studies. During this time, I took the Education for Ministry (EFM) program through the University of the South, a theological university in Tennessee. This is an in-depth 4-year program covering the New Testament, Old Testament, Church History and Theology. This course is attended mostly by Lutherans, Catholics and Episcopalians. The training is at Seminary level.
In 1997 my husband, Allan and I joined King of Glory Lutheran Church in Billings. The teachings and manner of teaching of Martin Luther appealed to me. It is challenging and comforting. The presentation of Law and Grace in each text meets the needs of the entire body – touching the mind and the spirit. I attended Bible Studies, directed Christmas pageants, was involved in their VBS program, and taught an Adult Forum series on the Gifts of the Spirit. I have served as a delegate to several State Synod conventions. I served on their call committee.
I went with their youth group on a work mission to Cortez, Colorado. Here we served in the community by painting homes and teaching VBS programs. It was also an opportunity to serve as a spiritual mentor to the young people.
In 2004 I began a two-year study to become a Lay Pastoral Associate. The study included the Bible, History of Christianity, and Lutheran Theology. The course of study included mentoring on: Planning and leading Bible Study, preparation for preaching, visitation, prayer and the care of souls, and teaching of catechism.
After finishing this course, one is able to present Word and Sacrament to the church. We can perform baptisms and funerals, which I have done. The main call for an LPA is pulpit fill. Hospital and shut-in visitation is another use of an LPA. I have taken this ministry very seriously and make visits each week. LPA’s fill a great need within the church today.
LPA’s are required to take continuing Education courses. Further studies have included, Lutheran Ethics, the study of Lutheran worship, Preaching, Luther, Being Lutheran, and a variety of coursework on ministering. Most classes are led by professors from Luther Seminary.
In 2008 I went to New Orleans with Rise Up and Build. This organization went to the Gulf Coast for a few years following Katrina for clean up and rebuilding.
In 2009 I went with our High School group to New Orleans for the ELCA Youth Gathering. We worked, we worshipped, we studied and we served the Lord in all we did.
Since completing the LPA training, with the support and encouragement of my Pastor, I have pursued seminary. I long to further my formal education for ministry; however, I believe my gifts, talents, and experience have prepared me to serve and it is my desire to do so.
Mostly through politics and the theatre I have been given many leadership roles, I have proven my ability to guide, direct, organize, and complete a project. I am able to work with people to accomplish a goal.
There is much to be done at St. James and we have people with a vision who, I believe, can accomplish the goals we set. I would like to offer my help as we answer the call which has been given to us.
Work Experience:
8/74- 12/79 Office Administrator, EMC, Office of Information
10/85 – 2/89 Office Manager, Southeastern Montana Anesthesia Assoc., Miles City, MT
1/87 - 1/89 State Representative – Custer County, MT
1/90 – 7/90 Assistant Manager of Office Operations, US Census Bureau of the Census
8/10 – present Municipal Infraction/File Clerk, Billings Municipal Court
7/10 – present Office Assistant, the Family Tree Center
6/10 – present Personal Shopper, CJ Banks
9-96 – present Drama Coach, Billings Central Catholic High School