In the Field

"Lead by the Spirit"

Featuring the Rev. David M. Young, 
Pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church, 
Eyota, Minn.

by Monica Robins

DIn the Field By Monica Robins To see excitement in a congregation--people with a strong desire to receive God's gifts and having their faith grow--that's what being in the ministry is all about," said the Rev. David M. Young, pastor of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Eyota, Minn.

A 2001 graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind., and a second-career pastor, Pastor Young was called to this strong and faithful congregation in June 2001, and was ordained there on June 17th. "The pastors that shepherded this congregation before me were faithful, so I was blessed to come into a congregation where there was no inner turmoil or strife."

Before beginning at the seminary, Pastor Young was a successful sales manager on the eastern seaboard. "It is a difficult decision to drop everything and go to seminary. I liken it to selling all of my possessions and taking up my cross. I was fulfilled in different ways at the seminary, however. It was rewarding to study under the best theologians in the world--the subject matter is such that students pursue and devour it with vigor, and much of the learning goes on beyond the classroom in the cafeteria and in other social settings."

Pastor Young's wife, Kathy, was a stay-at-home mom before they came to the seminary. Upon arrival in Fort Wayne, she worked outside the home, and they took advantage of the Christ's Child Learning Corner on campus for the care of their children during the day, which worked very well for them. By taking very heavy class loads each quarter, Pastor Young was able to complete his Master of Divinity degree in three years (including his vicarage year). The typical Master of Divinity student has three years of academic work and a year of vicarage. "While the work load was tough, the love of learning permeated the atmosphere, so it was not as much of a burden as it might have been otherwise," said Pastor Young.

"When I began as pastor at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, we had a membership of 650 people on paper, but only about 90 in service on Sunday mornings," commented Pastor Young. "We have since changed our Sunday morning schedule to include two services, rather than just one, and we offer Communion every Sunday. We use Lutheran Worship, as the liturgy comes from God's Word, and it is through His Word that God works. The Lord has brought people back to church, so we now have an average of 175 in worship." In seven months as pastor of this congregation, Pastor Young has baptized 11 infants and one adult and has had five funerals to officiate.

The age ranges of the members of the congregation are varied: 25% of members are under 12, 25% are 12-35 years of age, 25% are age 35-55, and 25% are older than 55. The town of Eyota has about 1,800 residents, and many of the local public school leaders are members of Our Savior's Lutheran Church. The courses on health and sex education at the public high school are taught by an LCMS member, and the football and basketball head coaches and assistant coaches are also members of the church.

Pastor Young, who loves having an active role in the local community, is the assistant coach for the high school football team and for the 7th Grade girls' basketball team. "It's a really unique and fortunate situation. They know that I am a pastor, and they know what I am about. As a result, I don't have any problems sharing the good news of Christ in this setting. Another nice thing is that, because so many people in the community attend church, there are no activities or games scheduled on Wednesday nights in the entire league! It's understood that Sundays and Wednesdays are reserved for church."

When asked what he would say to a man considering studying to become a pastor, Pastor Young said, "Let the Holy Spirit lead. We, as humans, think we know what is best, but in reality, it is God who knows, and it is in Him that we should place our faith."

Pastor Young is married to Kathy, and they have three daughters: Amy (13), Rachel (12), and Hannah (5).