11/25/2024
There may be some who follow our page who have not heard that in late August we welcomed Pastor David Werner as our Pastor in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He and his wife Sarah are a blessing to our congregation. An introduction to the Werners is shared below.
David Werner Returns to the Dakotas
David Werner, the current pastor of the Grand Forks Seventh-day Adventist Church, has returned to the Dakotas after spending two and a half years at Andrews University pursuing his Master of Divinity degree. Werner previously served in the Dakotas from the summer of 2018 through the end of 2021, pastoring churches in Bison, Bowman, and Dickinson. Wernerโs return brings a fresh opportunity to work with the local Adventist school, allowing him to engage more closely with young people.
During his time at Andrews, Werner met and married his wife, Sarah. Originally from Greeley, Colorado, Sarah was a member of Ricky and Brooke Melendezโs church. The Melendezes, former pastors in the Dakota Conference, introduced the couple when Werner visited them in Greeley. Sarah now works remotely as an office manager and recently started a position as a certified nursing assistant at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks.
Werner's studies at Andrews, which included biblical theology, church leadership, evangelism, and preaching, have already begun influencing his pastoral work, especially in his new role, where he leads weekly worship and devotionals at the school in Grand Forks. He hopes to organize a week of prayer for the students next semester. Werner notes that working with a school full-time adds an extra layer of excitement to his ministry.
Reflecting on his return, Werner expressed his deep appreciation. "I'm grateful to the Dakota Conference for sponsoring my education to Andrews and extremely grateful that they welcomed me back," he shared. He also emphasized the strong friendships he built during his earlier time in the region, including connections made through campmeetings and summer camps. "The people here are what I missed the most," Werner said.
In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, Werner and his wife Sarah, along with their three dogs, are enjoying life in Grand Forks. As he settles into his new role, Werner looks forward to continuing his work with young people and reconnecting with the community that welcomed him back.
Article by Jodi Dossenko, Conference communication director. Photo by Jen Erickson, member of the Grand Forks Adventist Church in North Dakota.
This article is from the September 26, 2024, issue of the Dakota Dispatch. To stay informed and receive future issues, sign up for the Dispatch using the link.
