Eastern North Dakota Synod

2008 Synod Assembly

Stephen A. Wold

Stephen A. Wold
Date of Ordination: 8/26/1972

Current Position: Senior Pastor - Trinity Lutheran Church - Moorhead, Minnesota

Congregation of Membership: Trinity Lutheran Church - Moorhead

Previous Positions:

Our Savior's - Hibbing, Mn. 1972-1974
Redeemer - Estherville, Iowa 1974-1982
First Lutheran - Williston, North Dakota 1982-1991
Calvary Lutheran - Grand Forks, North Dakota 1991-2004
Trinity Lutheran Church - Moorhead, Mn. 2004- present

Education:

Ulen High School (1953-1964)
BA in English and History - Concordia College (1964-1968)
M. Div. - Luther Seminary (1968-1972)

Current and Past Board, Committee, and Community Involvement:
(Outside of Congregational Responsibility)

Luther Seminary Board of Directors - United Way Board- E.N.Dakota Synod Endowment Committee-Service Clubs - Estherville School Board- Dovre Center for Faith and Learning -

How do you debscribe yourself theologically?

I am centered in God's amazing grace. On October 13th, 1946 I was joined to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism at Tingvold Evangelical Lutheran Church near Underwood, Minnesota. This grace- centered event was the beginning of a lifelong gift of daily dying to sin and daily rising to live before God in righteousness and purity. (Luther's Small Catechism)

What gifts do you believe you would bring to the office of the bishop in the Eastern North Dakota Synod?

A focused emphasis on making diligent use of the Means of Grace, both Word and Sacraments, as vehicles through which God strengthens all of the baptized for their ministries in the world.
An attitude of thankfulness and praise for what God is doing in this Synod and in all of creation.
Encouragement to have every Congregation participating in 'Mission teams' which serve in the United States and 'unto the ends of the earth.'

What is your concept of the primary roles of a synodical bishop in the Eastern North Dakota Synod?

The primary role of a Bishop is to support the congregations of the Synod in their life and mission. This support includes working with Pastors, providing educational opportunities for growth and refreshment, assisting congregations in times of conflict and pain, and supporting and interpreting the work of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

What are the key skills required of the bishop in the Eastern North Dakota Synod?

1) Preaching the Gospel 2) teaching the Gospel 3) providing pastoral care with wise love 4) Supporting others as they do 1,2, and 3.

How do you practice care of other and yourself?

I enjoy playing golf, cross country skiing, reading and playing with my grandchildren, Conner and Ethan