Master’s Institute alumnus, Steve Gaustad, has accepted a call to pastor House of Praise Church in Blaine, MN and was ordained and installed on May 2^nd,,2010. Steve recounts the day in the following article.

May 2^nd 2010 will go down as one of the great days of my life. The only days that trump this are my wedding day and each of my kids’ birthdays. The Lord, in so many ways I would have never suspected, surprised me. Isn’t that just like Him? Words could never describe the impact this had on me as a follower of Christ. I was stirred and touched in a profoundly deep way that I know I’ll never be the same again. In our Christian walk we are blessed to have real encounters with our loving Father and on this day His love was so very real for me.

The day was absolutely amazing. To have family and friends share this glorious time was so rich. My House of Praise family rose to the occasion in preparation and Pastor Fred Rodman was able to be there to give his blessing. (He’s been hospitalized since last August)  Mike Bradley, Paul Anderson and Pastor Fred Thoni presided over the ordination and Tim Hussnik of House of Praise did the installation. I’m so grateful to have had these men present they have all been instrumental in my life’s journey and to have them lead this day was very special. Friends from Elmwood Evangelical Free Church where I interned came and many of my MI family were also in attendance.   I’m truly blessed to have such wonderful friends!

 Mindy Carroll (Former MI staffer) led worship and was joined by her husband Brian, Paul Schoolmeesters,  Todd and Libbie Anderson (MI Alums) along with Jenna, Brent and Rachel Larson, friends of House of Praise. They rocked the place.  Mike Bradley preached and prophesied as the Lord spoke through him a challenging message on obedience. Thanks to my MI family as they poured out what the Lord has placed in them. The Masters Institute is so much more than a seminary, it’s a Kingdom work and I’m blessed to be associated with this Spirit empowered institute.  What a day I had and what a time in Him I’m having. Ordination, stoles and ceremony empowered by Him it doesn’t get much better than that.