Pastor's Desk

Pastors who’ve made a difference in my life.

            The month of October is Pastor’s Appreciation month.  Last year, another pastor had the idea of doing an article about the pastors who’ve influenced his life.  I thought it was a good idea, but I had already written the October article.  So for 2025, I will take up that opportunity.

            I don’t have much memory of the pastors from when my family lived in Minnesota, but the pastor who confirmed me was Pastor Bruce Linderman.  Pastor Linderman was a pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ankeny for about 16 years.  He had sort of a scowl that made you a little afraid to not be ready on your memory work and weekly quizzes.  However, at the same time, I learned a lot from him through the years.  He gave me a strong foundation.

            During my high school years, St. Paul got an associate pastor named Edward Grimm.  I really can’t remember a lot about his preaching.  But I remember how he was a genuinely nice guy.  He regularly picked on me for my fanship of the Minnesota Vikings, while he was a Green Bay Packers fan.  His daughter was in my grade, which gave an extra connection.  It is while he was our pastor that I first was sensing a call into the Pastoral ministry.  He was supportive of me in the journey that was beginning.

            When I graduated from high school, I initially attended Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny.  My original plan was  to be a sports journalist.  I had dreams of getting paid to just talk about football.  However, during that time, I got connected into a group known as “Impact”.  Impact was a college ministry of Saylorville Baptist Church.  The college pastor was Pastor Lucas Bair.  (He and his wife went to high school with my brother.)  This Baptist pastor actually played a crucial role in my faith development.  Conversations with him, jolted my faith out of its slumber.  It is from conversations with him that I actually read the Bible for the first time (all of it).  It is from conversations with him that I knew I wanted to be a pastor. 

            Through Concordia University Wisconsin, many of my professors challenged me in different ways and made me think of my faith in new ways.  Dr. Maschke instilled in me a love of liturgical Lutheran worship.  Dr. Paavola demonstrated story-driven preaching.  Professor Mudge helped me limp through my Hebrew studies.  Dr. Tomesch helped me to really learn Koine Greek.

            At Seminary, my professors did their best to squash my pride.  They were sure to show make me realize that I am not as smart as I think I am.  Dr. Gibbs, Dr. Biermann, Dr. Hermann, Dr. Okamoto, Dr. Raabe, and others all gave me a deep knowledge and understanding of the scriptures and the Christian faith.  Not to mention the many classmates (now pastors) who I lived, ate, studied, and debated with.

            As a pastor, I have gotten to know and learned from many colleagues.  Especially Pastor Richard Salcido as senior pastor here at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ida Grove.  I appreciated the balance in style and work we provided for each other, and I am praying he is having a great retirement with Sue and his grandkids.

            As October approaches, think of the pastors who have impacted you in your lives.  Give thanks to God for them, and pray that new pastors would be raised up.  Pray for the pastors who currently serve.  Blessings on your October.

In Christ,
Pastor Neil Wehmas

Last Updated: 10/3/2025