This spring, Free Lutheran Seminary graduated four students, each earning a Master of Divinity degree (MDiv) for the purpose of serving as pastor in an AFLC congregation. The first three years of our seminary program consist of on-campus classroom study, with the fourth year served on internship under a pastor mentor in an AFLC congregation. As of the writing of this article, each graduate has completed their internship and accepted a call to a congregation.

Alex Woodworth has accepted a call to serve Helmar Free Lutheran in Newark, IL. He is married to Rachel (Quanbeck) and has a 6-month-old boy, Brooks. Woodworth completed his internship at Emmaus Free Lutheran in Bloomington, MN this last spring and was ordained at the 2023 Annual Conference in Sioux Falls, SD.

Joe Frech has accepted a call to serve St. John’s in Milford, IL. He is married to Danielle (Helwig) and they have 4 children (Eloise, Charles, Gwen, and Rowan) with another on the way. Frech served his internship at Grace Free Lutheran in Valley City, ND and was ordained at Faith Free Lutheran in Minneapolis, MN.

Joe Larson has accepted a call to serve Christ the King Free Lutheran in Pipestone, MN. He is married to Sarah (Anderson). Larson served his internship at Prince of Peace Free Lutheran in Beulah, ND and will be ordained in July.

J. Scott Pierson has accepted a call to serve Golgatha Free Lutheran in Golden Valley, ND and St Paul’s Free Lutheran in Dodge, ND. Pierson served his internship at St. Paul’s Free Lutheran in Fargo, ND and was ordained at the 2023 Annual Conference in Sioux Falls, SD.