Seeds of Faith: How We Nurture the Future of Our Church

In the La Crosse Area Synod, we believe that leadership isn’t just about a title—it’s about a journey. Our mission to cultivate life-giving relationships rooted in God’s love finds its most vibrant expression in how we raise up and nurture emerging leaders. This isn't a solo trek; it is a communal walk of faith, fueled by the financial support, prayers, and dedicated networks of our entire synod.

At the heart of this journey is the Candidacy Committee, a group of dedicated companions led by Chair Pastor Emma Grinde and Bishop Felix Malpica. They act as mentors and guides, walking alongside individuals as they move through three pivotal stages of discernment:

• Entrance: Assessing the initial call and readiness for seminary.

• Endorsement: Meeting candidates at their seminaries to affirm their unique gifts and identify areas for growth.

• Approval: Discerning readiness for final rostered leadership as they prepare to serve the wider church.

The Faces of Our Future

Behind every report is a story of a person saying "Yes" to God's call. Currently, our synod is accompanying a diverse group of individuals, each at a different milestone on their path:

• Ron Amundson (Blair Lutheran)

  Endorsed; just completed his second year of seminary.

• Jeff Hoch (Holmen Lutheran)

  Endorsed; just completed his second year of seminary.

• Jason Knipe (Lewis Valley Lutheran)

  Preparing for Endorsement after completing his Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).

• Amy Jo Van Arsdall (Trinity Lutheran, La Crosse)

  Granted Entrance; just finished her first year of seminary.

• Michael Pechman (Bethany Lutheran, Mauston)

  Granted Entrance; beginning his seminary adventure.

• Dr. Seth Jones (Prince of Peace Lutheran)

  Currently transferring his ordination to the ELCA via a Theological Review Panel.

We celebrate the impactful ministry of Pastor Diane Martin, our newest Synod Authorized Minister (SAM). Her work is already revitalizing the congregations of Lower Coon Valley and Zion Lutheran Churches. Furthermore, three additional lay leaders are currently in the process of becoming SAMs to serve our community in the year ahead.

The Rev. Kristen Arends

The Rev. Diane Martin

The Rev. Kjell Bakken

Rooted Here, Reaching Everywhere

The fruit of this long-term investment is already being felt across the country. We celebrate Pastor Kristen Arends and Pastor Kjell Bakken, who grew through our synod’s candidacy process and are now serving their first calls in New York and Florida, respectively. While they may be miles away, the foundation of their ministry was poured right here in our congregations through your generosity and prayers.

A Network of Support

The work of candidacy is a collaborative effort. Our committee brings together voices from across the church—from local pastors like Emma Grinde and Len Liptack, to lay leaders like Nancy Halverson, Leah Morken, Kris Stauffacher and even academic partners like Rev. Dr. Sam Giere from our ELCA seminaries.

"We are thankful for the privilege of working with these future leaders of our church," says Pastor Emma Grinde. "And we thank you for your prayers and support."

When you give to the synod and when you pray for our candidates, you are doing more than supporting a "committee"—you are tending the soil for the next generation of the Gospel. Together, we ensure that those called by God never have to walk the path alone.

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