Massapequa Park recently welcomed Arden Charles Strasser as the new pastor at St. David’s Lutheran Church. While St. David’s is prominent in the village, it is the pastor’s unique background that adds to the church’s new addition.
“My background is unusual, in that I spent the last eight years working in Zambia, in southern Africa, as a missionary, where my wife was the Country Director for the Elisabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Program,” said Strasser. “In February, Pastor David Meyers retired from service at St. David’s Lutheran Church, and I was appointed by the bishop as their interim pastor for the next year.”
Strasser has been warmly welcomed by the congregation and is looking forward to an engaging program of spiritual development and community and global outreach. He speaks widely about poverty and development and is interested in communicating with American postmodern culture.
“I enjoy ministry with children and teens,” he said. “I’ve had the chance over two months, to speak with many Massapequans, who have been hospitable, kind and thoughtful. Of course, they also love soccer, which I am passionate about.”
Strasser earned degrees from the University of Rochester, the University of Colorado and the University of Natal, South Africa. He recently completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at Drew University. Previously, he served as pastor in northern California from 2000 to 2006, and was then appointed Lutheran missionary to Zambia for leadership development until 2014.
“My preaching style has been affected by my years in Africa, but listeners here are also finding a resonance, which encourages me.”
Pastor Strasser currently lives in Manhattan with his wife Susan, and their two daughters. His hobbies are piano, opera, soccer and volunteering at his daughter’s middle school.
