NEW PASTOR IN TOWN

If you asked Rev. David Efflandt, about 10 years ago, if he thought he would one day be a pastor, the answer would have been no.
Efflandt was enjoying his life in Southern California, where he taught middle school band.
Then it happened.
He got a call from God.
Aside from getting a nudge from God, Efflandt, also was encouraged by people in his community and church that he would be a good pastor and that he should consider it.
For Efflandt, he was flattered, but didn’t do anything about it at first.
After ignoring the call from God for a few years, Efflandt explained that one day he talked to his pastor about it and to see what he should do.
His pastor told him that he was wondering when he was going to talk to him about it.
“I was wondering when you were gonna ask about this,” Efflandt’s pastor said.
That led Efflandt and his family to head back to the Midwest where he went to seminary at Wartburg Theological Seminary, in Dubuque, Iowa.
After graduating from seminary school, Efflandt went onto serve as a pastor at Bethlehem and Deer Creek Valley Lutheran Churches in Glenville.
After serving there for about four years, Efflandt took on a new call as the lead pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kasson. He was approved by a special vote of the congregation on Jan. 6.
Efflandt, who started last week, is excited to be apart of the church community.
“People have been telling me what an amazing congregation St. John's is, and I am so looking forward to getting to know the congregation in person,” says Efflandt. “I look forward to hearing everyone’s stories of what it means to be church, to hear about their hopes and dreams for future ministry together, and to be a part of such a vibrant and growing community of faith.”
While he enjoys every aspect of being a pastor, Efflandt explained that his favorite part of his job is being able to see people use their treasures.
“I love seeing how people use their god given gifts in their lives,” he said.
Efflandt currently lives in Northwood, Iowa, with his wife, Sarah; two children, Austin, 16, and Bella, 15; and his mother-in-law, Maryell.
There will be installation services on Sunday, March 3 at both the 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. worship services. All are invited to be part of this celebration.