Pastor Sonja Gerstenberger ordained and began her call to St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Ames in early March of 2021.
Where are you from originally? I spent the bulk of my childhood in the Des Moines area, northside, West Des Moines, then LeMars for high school, Waverly for college (GO KNIGHTS!), and California to teach.
Tell the synod a little about yourself: I came to ministry as a fifth career, formerly a teacher, HR specialist, communications editor, social worker, and stay-at-home mom. Turns out it was a great training ground for ministry. My hobbies are … reading. My husband and I have three children ages 14, 13, and 11 that keep us busy!
What is one thing you love about your community, congregation, or ministry? I love watching people get excited about using their gifts to serve God and neighbor.
What book do you recommend everyone read? My Grandmother’s Hands, Resmaa Menakem, because we carry the generations with us, whether we realize it or not. If we all read it, we’d care for ourselves and those around us in more helpful ways.
Welcome to the synod Pastor Gerstenberger!
Learn more about St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Ames.
