Rev. Dr. Erin Marie Burns
Meet Rev. Dr. Erin Marie Burns Pastor. Author. Grief Companion. Archery Archer. Giant Chicken (yes, really).
Welcome! I’m Erin, the Associate Pastor at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in the Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Whether you're a neighbor or a traveler just passing through, know there’s always a seat waiting for you at the table.
Beyond the pulpit and pews, I’m a storyteller at heart. I write to honor grief, explore hope, and uncover the sacred threads woven through our everyday lives. My journey as a pastor, wife, mom, and author is shaped by love, loss, and a relentless trust in grace.
Fourteen years ago, I married my best friend a man who brought with him a wonderful stepson and joined me in parenting our three adopted children. We also hold close the memory of our beloved son, Nickolas Robert, who rests in eternal peace and remains a steady light in all I do.
Every day I wake up knowing life is a gift, and it’s only by the grace of God that I get to live it. I’m passionate about walking alongside people in both joy and sorrow and my writing reflects the deep belief that no story is too broken for redemption.
Fun (and Slightly Unexpected) Facts About Me
Education & Training
Bachelor of Science in Sociology – Kent State University
Master of Divinity – Gettysburg Seminary
Certifications & Experience
Published work
Welcome! I’m Erin, the Associate Pastor at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in the Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Whether you're a neighbor or a traveler just passing through, know there’s always a seat waiting for you at the table.
Beyond the pulpit and pews, I’m a storyteller at heart. I write to honor grief, explore hope, and uncover the sacred threads woven through our everyday lives. My journey as a pastor, wife, mom, and author is shaped by love, loss, and a relentless trust in grace.
Fourteen years ago, I married my best friend a man who brought with him a wonderful stepson and joined me in parenting our three adopted children. We also hold close the memory of our beloved son, Nickolas Robert, who rests in eternal peace and remains a steady light in all I do.
Every day I wake up knowing life is a gift, and it’s only by the grace of God that I get to live it. I’m passionate about walking alongside people in both joy and sorrow and my writing reflects the deep belief that no story is too broken for redemption.
Fun (and Slightly Unexpected) Facts About Me
- I’m a full-on garden geek. I love everything about homesteading, from composting to canning—but dahlias are my pride and joy during the summer months.
- I have an unshakable love for Chick-fil-A. In fact, my first job in high school was dressing up as a giant chicken named “Doodles” to greet customers. (Yes, there are photos. No, I won’t show them—unless you ask nicely.)
- I’m a Level 4 USA Archer and compete through Ohio Archers. I shoot a recurve bow and love the stillness and focus it brings.
- I’m happiest behind a camera lens, capturing moments both grand and subtle, especially while traveling and exploring this wild, beautiful world.
- I believe storytelling is holy work—and sometimes, the best sermons are written in soil, silence, or soft laughter.
Education & Training
Bachelor of Science in Sociology – Kent State University
Master of Divinity – Gettysburg Seminary
- Concentration in Suffering & Bereavement
- Certification in Youth & Family Ministry
- Professional Interim Ministry Certificate
- Concentration: Pastoral Care
Certifications & Experience
- Master Coach – Dave Ramsey Financial Coaching
- Certified Foster/Adoptive Parent – State of Ohio
- Trained in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)
- Speaker, retreat leader, grief companion, and pastoral caregiver with a heart for those walking through loss, transition, and hope reborn.
- Pastoral Care Teacher - 5-week session of Growing in Faith Dikania class - Northeast & Northwest Ohio ELCA Synod 2024
Published work
- Children Sermon Writer for the Wonders of Worship is a Project of the Nourishing Vocation with Children at St. Olaf College 2024
- Sacred Care: A faith Leaders Guide to Supporting those Experiencing Pregnancy Loss - 2025
- The Love that Remains: A 30 Day devotion for families experiencing pregnancy loss - 2025