About 8 years ago in the fellowship hall of Our Saviour’s-Durant OK (our NT-NL Synod, ELCA mission outpost in Oklahoma) a young man named Brady Wayne (always the middle name) sat down at the table and proclaimed I want to be a pastor. Now this doesn’t happen every visit I make so I noted it, encouraged him to continue to be active in his congregation, and learn about how we work our process in the ELCA of pastoral formation.

Over the last almost decade he carried out that work. Staying connected and so when he entranced candidacy we were pleased and hopeful. Yesterday, September 13, 2025 was another great milestone on this journey as Brady Wayne was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament, called to serve First-Temple.

We were joined in this celebration by NT-NL staff, fellow pastors, and seminary friends. Also joining us was the Rev. Jeff Corson who served Our Saviour’s and was Brady’s pastor and laid hands on him when he affirmed his baptism. A nice continuity in the milestones of ministry. It was also wonderful to have the new pastor of Our Saviour’s, the Rev. Eric Saed, with us, he begins his ministry there on Sept 14.

Grateful for the Our Saviour’s congregation for lifting up Brady and, from conversations, I learned there are others their considering taking on candidacy. As I have learned over the last 9 years in this call our smaller congregations disproportionally provide candidates for ministry. That is something to consider. As always we are wise to remember when our congregation is seeking a pastor, there is a congregation that encouraged, nurtured, and sent that person to us. Who amongst us should we be developing for leadership. A good day for the church! #NTNL #InMissionTogether