Rev. Andrew Sturdy

GLADSTONE — In July, Senior Pastor Aaron Anderson and the congregation of The Evangelical Covenant Church of Delta County, located at 305 South Ninth St. in Gladstone, welcomed Rev. Andrew Sturdy as Associate Pastor for Youth, Families, and Congregational Life. His installation was held on Sunday, Sept. 22 with guest speaker Rev. Peter Sjoblom, associate central conference superintendent of The Evangelical Covenant Church.

Pastor Sturdy has seven years of pastoral experience. He did his undergraduate studies at North Park University and his seminary training at North Park Theological Seminary, both in Chicago. In addition, he has experience with coordinating community youth and family programs.

A native of Brooklyn Park, Minn., he is excited about starting his ministry in Delta County with his wife Alicia and five-year-old daughter Stella. He likes the small-town feeling of living in Gladstone and relating to the whole community, such as being within walking distance of D&M Subs. Being close to family is a bonus as his wife grew up in Escanaba. He also values the opportunities of being outdoors, fishing, and learning the new rhythms of life that the area offers.

Sturdy felt the call to the ministry as a young person in Minnesota. A youth pastor invested in him and gave him opportunities to minister at a young age.

“It has not always been easy, but it has always been good,” said Sturdy.

In his role as associate pastor, Sturdy sees the church as a place where students and families connect and grow their relationship with God, a place to build support systems people will know and rely on, and a place people can call home.

“God is already using his gifts and talents within our church and community. As pastors we look forward to working together with the congregation to be the church that God is calling us to be,” said Anderson.