Celebrating Spring 2026 Graduates and Candidates for Ministry
This spring, 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. Each of these leaders brings unique gifts, deep commitment, and a heart for serving God’s people in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We give thanks for their dedication, their formation, and the communities that have nurtured them along the way.
Maddy Carroll — Wartburg Theological Seminary, MA in Diaconal Ministry (MA DM)
Maddy is an approved candidate for ministry and is eagerly awaiting a first call as a Minister of Word and Service — Deacon in Region 5 of the ELCA. Her formation reflects a deep commitment to service, accompaniment, and the flourishing of God’s people.
Bryce Hewlett — Wartburg Theological Seminary, MA
Bryce currently serves as a Synodically Authorized Minister (SAM) with the people of St. James, Bettendorf and Hope, Dixon. He continues his ELCA Candidacy journey through the TEEM program at Wartburg Seminary as he prepares for ordination as a Minister of Word and Sacrament — Pastor. His ministry reflects a spirit of humility, curiosity, and pastoral presence.
Avery Johnson — Duke Divinity School / Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, MDiv
Avery is completing the ELCA Candidacy process and preparing for a first call as a Minister of Word and Sacrament — Pastor. With formation shaped by both Duke and LTSS, Avery brings theological depth and a passion for proclaiming the gospel in ways that meet people where they are.
Lotegeluaki Lengai — Wartburg Theological Seminary, MDiv
Lotegeluaki is completing his internship at Grace Lutheran Church, Des Moines, while finishing the ELCA Candidacy journey. He is preparing for a first call as a Minister of Word and Sacrament — Pastor, carrying with him a vibrant faith and a heart for community-centered ministry.
Daniel Luepke — Wartburg Theological Seminary, MDiv
Daniel is an approved candidate for ministry and currently serves as a SAM with the people of Ascension Lutheran Church, Marion. He is awaiting a first call as a Minister of Word and Sacrament — Pastor within the Southeastern Iowa Synod. Daniel’s ministry is marked by compassion, steadiness, and a deep love for the church.
AJ Olson — Wartburg Theological Seminary, MDiv
AJ is an approved candidate for ministry through the Northeastern Iowa Synod and has accepted a call to serve as the Director (pastor) of Lutheran Campus Ministry at Iowa State University, stepping into a ministry that supports and accompanies young adults during a formative season of life.
Aaron Schutte — Luther Seminary, MDiv
Aaron is completing the ELCA Candidacy journey and preparing for a first call as a Minister of Word and Sacrament — Pastor. His formation at Luther Seminary has equipped him with strong theological grounding and a commitment to faithful, creative leadership.
As a synod, we give thanks for these leaders and the Spirit’s work in their lives. We pray for their continued growth, their future congregations and communities, and the unfolding ministries to which God is calling them. May their service be filled with joy, courage, and the abiding presence of Christ.