Saved to serve

Fergus pastor overcame past struggles, now helps others find right path

By Carol Stender

Pete Konrad might be the busiest pastor in Fergus Falls as he anchors a ministry that has brought his life full circle — from sitting in a jail cell to leading services within them.

The former addict who found Jesus through jail ministry has a modern day mission that is deeply personal.

Pete Konrad’s life has come full circle. Once incarcerated at the Otter Tail County Detention facility, he now serves as chaplain through JAIL Inc. And he was recently named director at the Matthew House, a house for those transitioning after their sentences have been complete. Pete once also called Matthew House home as he worked to adjust to society after his sentence. The ordained minister conducts three services at the jail after he attends services at Federated Church. Photo by Carol Stender

Each Sunday, after attending services at Federated Church, Konrad conducts three separate services at the Otter Tail County Jail. At noon for those on work release, at 1 p.m. for female inmates, and at 2 p.m. for male inmates.

He is employed as the jail’s chaplain through JAIL, Inc. (Justice Abounds in Love) and leads Bible studies, conducts one-on-one visits and re-entry programs designed to support individuals both during and after their incarceration.

And that’s not all. Konrad is now director of The Matthew House, a transition house for those who have served their sentences. He also serves as custodian and maintenance person at Federated Church.

“I really, really like what I do,” he said. “It doesn’t seem like work to me.”

His journey started in Prior Lake where he grew up. After his graduation in 1987, Konrad says he “got off on the wrong foot” and got involved with a bad crowd. He shied away from his good friends.

“They don’t stick around long when you go off the edge,” he said.

He was introduced to meth and it became the main drug he abused.

“It’s real easy to get,” Konrad said. “It’s everywhere... People here at church can’t believe the heroine and meth that is available in our towns.”

His parents weren’t drug users, nor was his sister. They sent him to rehabilitation programs, but nothing helped. 

“I have been through so many treatment facilities,” he said. “But, if the person doesn’t want it, he won’t get anything out of it. It’s something that you want in order to have any kind of success.”

He did work, but his employment at the time was brief. It is hard to maintain a regular work schedule as an addict.

Konrad was married, but it ended in divorce. His parents, who had moved to Parkers Prairie to operate a small resort, encouraged him to join them. He did in 2005 and began working for a company there. His addiction continued.

“I still had my suppliers in the Cities,” he said. “I would drive there and get meth and come back.”

A few months later, he was incarcerated.

He calls it a revolving door.

“It’s the same people you see coming through the system,” he said. “Some do turn their life around, but once you get in the system, it’s hard to get out of that. Unless you change your life, it becomes your life.”

When he was at the Otter Tail County Jail, Konrad made a connection with jail chaplain, Chuck Tysver.

“He really made an impact on me,” he said. “I got my relationship back with the Lord and I continued that on through my prison sentence.”

That time, in 2011, was his last jail sentence, which included 36 months of incarceration at the St. Cloud and Faribault state prisons.

“I was a model prisoner,” he said “I didn’t hang out with the jokers that were there. I went to Bible studies and took classes,” he said.

His release plan had Konrad going back to the same life environment that he’d lived during his years as an addict. About three weeks before his release, he talked to his counselor about his concerns. The counselor placed him at the Matthew House.

The Matthew House became his home as he transitioned to a life without drugs and away from prison. He became dean at the house, keeping the daily life  and needs of the residents in order. About eight months after he came to the Matthew House, he felt the call on his life. He went back to school, taking courses through Global University, and became a pastor.

He grew up Lutheran, but is non-denominational in his pastoral work.

“In the jail, I have them all – from Lutherans and Catholics to Methodists and more,” he said.

When he lived at the Matthew House, he became a regular congregant at Federated Church. The church body asked Konrad to be the church’s maintenance man and custodian. It’s the longest job he’s held, Konrad said. He has worked for the church for 10 years.

He was also asked to minister to inmates at the jail.

Pete Konrad at his desk at JAIL, Inc. Photo by Carol Stender

“At first, it was weird being there, but it’s where I needed to be,” he said.

Over time he became jail chaplain. The Matthew House and the jail work well together for those who’ve been incarcerated, he said.

“Hopelessness and despair, it can drag a guy down,” he said. “The enemy likes to hold people in that despair. Addiction not only wrecks the person, it also affects the family. It affects the kids.”

He knows that also from personal experience. He did officiate the wedding of his daughter, Neveah.

“I was pleased,” he said. The young couple lives in the area.

However, he is not as close to his children who live in the Prior Lake area.

“I don’t think my (other) daughter has forgiven me,” he said. “And I understand that. But I have been able to let go of all the guilt that I carried for a long time and I have moved forward.”

He has an office at Federated Church. A JAIL Inc. sign on the outside of the church notes the location of his work and ministry with the program.

Konrad’s work as Matthew House director includes overseeing its program with four Bible studies and a house meeting and meal on Wednesdays.

Up to nine men can stay at the Matthew House, which is funded through donations, county support and grants, he said. Other transition homes have not fared as well. An 11-bed home in Perham closing. Others are facing funding issues. And there is a big need for the recovery houses.

He focuses on his calling and ministry for those who are or have been incarcerated. His phone rings often with people either needing a bed, to talk, or thanks from family for helping family members.

Konrad points to The Matthew House Stones, which is grounding in its focus:

“And David picked up five smooth stones to defeat the giant,” it says. 

My Five Smooth Stones

1. My Lord Jesus Christ

2. My family

3. My work

4. My neighbors

5. My Cross

Living one smooth stone at a time.