Celebrating Spring 2026 Graduates and Candidates for Ministry

The Southeastern Iowa Synod joyfully celebrates several gifted individuals who have completed their theological degrees and are faithfully stepping into the next chapters of their ministry journeys.

Maddy Carroll — Wartburg Theological Seminary, MA in Diaconal Ministry

Maddy is an approved candidate for ministry and is awaiting first call as a Minister of Word and Service - Deacon in Region 5 in the ELCA.

Bryce Hewlett — Wartburg Theological Seminary, MA

Bryce is serving as a SAM with the people of St James, Bettendorf and Hope, Dixon and is continuing with the ELCA Candidacy journey and the TEEM program through Wartburg Seminary toward ordination as a Minister of Word and Sacrament- Pastor in the ELCA.

Avery Johnson — Duke Divinity School / Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, MDiv

Avery is completing the ELCA Candidacy journey and is preparing for a first call as a Minister of Word and Sacrament - Pastor in the ELCA.

Lotegeluaki Lengai — Wartburg Theological Seminary, MDiv

Lotegeluaki is completing internship at Grace, Des Moines and completing the ELCA Candidacy journey. He is preparing for a first call as a Minister of Word and Sacrament - Pastor in the ELCA.

Daniel Luepke — Wartburg Theological Seminary, MDiv

Daniel is an approved candidate for ministry, serving as a SAM with the people of Ascension, Marion. He will be ordained on June 26 at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. Pastor in the ELCA in the Southeastern Iowa Synod.

AJ Olson — Wartburg Theological Seminary, MDiv

AJ is an approved candidate for ministry through the Northeastern Iowa Synod and has accepted a call as the Director (pastor) of Lutheran Campus Ministry at ISU. They were ordained on June 7 at St John's, Des Moines.

Aaron Schutte — Luther Seminary, MDiv

Aaron is completing the ELCA Candidacy journey and is preparing for a first call as a Minister of Word and Sacrament - Pastor in the ELCA.