Rev. Dr. Erin Marie Burns
Welcome, Friend — I’m Erin, I’m so glad you’re here.
By day, I serve as the Associate Pastor at Lord of Life in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. If you’re ever nearby—whether you're a local or just passing through—I’d love to meet you in person. There’s always a place for you at the table.
But this space? This is where my soul spills onto the page.
I’m a writer, a storyteller, a lover of all things honest and holy. My greatest blessings call me wife, mom, pastor, and friend. Fourteen years ago, I married my best friend, and together we’ve built a beautiful, blended family—three incredible adopted children, a wonderful stepson, and our beloved son Nickolas Robert, who now rests in the arms of the Lord. His presence, though unseen, continues to guide every word I write and every prayer I speak.
Each morning, I wake up knowing that life is a gift, and grace is what makes it possible. I write to make sense of this wild and sacred world, to face its giants, and maybe—just maybe—to help make it a little softer, a little brighter.
My passions stretch wide—faith, travel, photography, archery, books that make you cry, and stories that whisper healing into broken places. I believe we’re all pulled in a thousand directions these days, but in this space, we get to slow down and remember what truly matters.
Thanks for stopping by. Take a look around, read a few things, and if you feel like it, sign up for my newsletter so we can keep walking this journey together.
By day, I serve as the Associate Pastor at Lord of Life in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. If you’re ever nearby—whether you're a local or just passing through—I’d love to meet you in person. There’s always a place for you at the table.
But this space? This is where my soul spills onto the page.
I’m a writer, a storyteller, a lover of all things honest and holy. My greatest blessings call me wife, mom, pastor, and friend. Fourteen years ago, I married my best friend, and together we’ve built a beautiful, blended family—three incredible adopted children, a wonderful stepson, and our beloved son Nickolas Robert, who now rests in the arms of the Lord. His presence, though unseen, continues to guide every word I write and every prayer I speak.
Each morning, I wake up knowing that life is a gift, and grace is what makes it possible. I write to make sense of this wild and sacred world, to face its giants, and maybe—just maybe—to help make it a little softer, a little brighter.
My passions stretch wide—faith, travel, photography, archery, books that make you cry, and stories that whisper healing into broken places. I believe we’re all pulled in a thousand directions these days, but in this space, we get to slow down and remember what truly matters.
Thanks for stopping by. Take a look around, read a few things, and if you feel like it, sign up for my newsletter so we can keep walking this journey together.
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.
But 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
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.
But 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
- Children Sermon Writer for the Wonders of Worship is a Project of the Nourishing Vocation with Children at St. Olaf College 2024