Pastor Sarah Nye was ordained in 2009 and served congregations in Western Iowa and Texas before coming to Cross Roads Parish in the fall of 2021. She attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa where she majored in elementary education with endorsements in special education and teaching English as a second language. After college, she pursued her Master of Divinity degree at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 2018, she obtained her Doctor of Ministry degree in Congregational Mission and Leadership also from Luther Seminary. Her doctoral thesis was all about play and how having fun with the ways we experience God’s Word can help us grow in faith and ability to share God’s love with others. Pastor Sarah is passionate that worship- and all our life together in the church- should be joyful and playful! She enjoys being creative in both her preaching and teaching.
Pastor Joel Nye’s background includes a Christian education degree with an emphasis in Biblical studies from Trinity Lutheran College in Issaquah, Washington. He began rostered ministry in 2009 as a Diaconal Minister after graduating with a Masters of Arts degree in Congregational Care and Leadership: Aging from Luther Seminary. After serving with Pastor Sarah in joint parishes in Western Iowa, he returned to seminary and graduated with his Master of Divinity degree in May 2018.
Pastor Joel and Pastor Sarah enjoy working together as a clergy couple! Pastor Joel’s particular areas of focus include visitation and ministry with older adults. Pastor Sarah particularly enjoys working with the children and leadership of each congregation. They have four incredible children who also bring their own unique gifts and talents to their family and their life of ministry together.
