Senior Pastor Announcement

North Heights Family,

On October 6, 2026, the Council of Elders, unanimously and enthusiastically voted to recommend Pastor Jordan Gehlhar to become the next (9th) Senior Pastor of North Heights Lutheran Church.

Pastor Jordan served North Heights Lutheran Church as an intern from July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015, while he completed his studies at Luther Seminary. Following ordination, he served at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Altoona, Iowa, as Discipleship Pastor from 2016 to 2018. On May 20, 2018, he accepted a call as Associate Pastor of North Heights Lutheran Church. He has served on the North Heights Transition Team since February 2026. He also serves as a Brigade Chaplain in the North Dakota Army National Guard. 

The Council of Elders formed a call committee for the purpose of nominating the next senior pastor, and they began their work on April 13, 2026. The foundation of the call and their work was committed to daily prayer seeking His will for North Heights. The call process included a broad advertisement for the position, an extensive interviewing process that included written statements about their faith journey, core values and their vision for North Heights, along with two extensive interviews. Following this process, the call committee forwarded the recommendation to the Council of Elders that Pastor Jordan be called as the next Senior Pastor.

The following is a letter from Pastor Jordan accepting the nomination of Senior Pastor:

Dear North Heights Family,

It is with a humbled heart, I am excited to accept the nomination to serve as the next Senior Pastor of North Heights. Amy and I are deeply thankful for the trust you have placed in us. More than anything, we recognize that this belongs at the feet of Jesus. North Heights is His church, the people are His, and whatever comes next must ultimately be for His glory.

I am excited because I believe God has something meaningful ahead for North Heights. I love this church, each of you, and our rich history. I am excited to see how God will lead us in this season of renewal. My prayer is that we would remain faithful to Jesus, honor what He has already done, and be willing to follow wherever He leads us next.

Thank you for the confidence and trust you have placed in me and in my family. It is a privilege and a responsibility that I do not take lightly. I look forward to walking this journey together, laying it all at the feet of Jesus, and trusting Him with what comes next.

For Jesus’ glory, 

Pastor Jordan Gehlhar

Timeline

• Pastor Jordan will speak at both locations on October 11, 2026.
• The Council has called a Special Meeting of the congregation on October 25, 2026, at 12pm to be held at the Arden Hills location, following a combined Sunday, to seek a 2/3 majority vote to call Pastor Jordan. 
• Upon receiving the required congregational votes, Pastor Jordan will be installed at each location and assume the position of Senior Pastor on November 1, 2026.

Thank you for your prayers and continued support as we seek Him for North Heights.