A Note From Seth
Hey Salem Family,
It’s been a busy summer getting ready for this fall, but I’m excited to introduce you to the team for this Fall! But before I do, I want to share a bit of background:
In an EFCA article published in 2025, it stated that by 2030, 25% of pastors will retire (that’s not including the number of those who leave for other reasons). Now, combine that with the fact that fewer and fewer young people are going into ministry creates a recipe for… well, panic!
So what’s the solution? To put it simply, discipleship! Rather than relying on traditional pathways like college or seminary, churches need to become better at raising up people from within and equipping them internally to be the next generation of leaders. What I love about this is that it fits perfectly with our Vision! We want to build a culture of disciplemaking, which means that this is an opportunity, not an opposition. Part of my dream is for Salem to become an organism where discipleship is the lifeblood of the church. Not a program. Not a person. But a way of life that is grounded in the amazing and extravagant way of life that Jesus modeled and multiplied into others. So, with all that said, let me introduce you to the next leaders of Student Ministry and Kids Ministry!
Zane Daddino (pictured below) has been hired as a Pastoral Apprentice – Student Ministry. Zane has almost a decade of volunteerism and is working on his Pastoral Ministry degree from Northwest University. He is married to Amanda, with three young girls. He loves Jesus and is excited to invest in the lives of students!
It’s been a busy summer getting ready for this fall, but I’m excited to introduce you to the team for this Fall! But before I do, I want to share a bit of background:
In an EFCA article published in 2025, it stated that by 2030, 25% of pastors will retire (that’s not including the number of those who leave for other reasons). Now, combine that with the fact that fewer and fewer young people are going into ministry creates a recipe for… well, panic!
So what’s the solution? To put it simply, discipleship! Rather than relying on traditional pathways like college or seminary, churches need to become better at raising up people from within and equipping them internally to be the next generation of leaders. What I love about this is that it fits perfectly with our Vision! We want to build a culture of disciplemaking, which means that this is an opportunity, not an opposition. Part of my dream is for Salem to become an organism where discipleship is the lifeblood of the church. Not a program. Not a person. But a way of life that is grounded in the amazing and extravagant way of life that Jesus modeled and multiplied into others. So, with all that said, let me introduce you to the next leaders of Student Ministry and Kids Ministry!
Zane Daddino (pictured below) has been hired as a Pastoral Apprentice – Student Ministry. Zane has almost a decade of volunteerism and is working on his Pastoral Ministry degree from Northwest University. He is married to Amanda, with three young girls. He loves Jesus and is excited to invest in the lives of students!
Jordan Nepstad (pictured below) has transitioned into the Wednesday Night Kids Lead role. Jordan worked with Veronica and has an exceptional grasp of the current Kids Ministry. Her primary responsibilities include Wednesdays and being the point person for the Kids Team. We are really excited to see her step into this as she grows!
Shanda Hakk (pictured below) will support Jordan on Wednesday nights through admin, prep, and presence. Shanda and her family are incredibly intentional about how they parent, so not only does she bring an administrative gusto, she also brings a family approach!
Lindsey De Graaf (pictured below) will be the new Sunday Morning Kids Lead. Lindsey is a former teacher who loves Jesus, the bible, and kids! Her energy brings kids in and makes them feel safe. Her primary role will be to recruit, schedule, and make sure teaching is fully covered for Sundays. We think she’ll do an amazing job!
Kaitlyn Thompson (pictured below) will be supporting Lindsey on Sundays through admin, classroom prep, and presence. Vocationally, she’s a nurse, but her joy around kids is evident and her attention to detail is exceptional!
While Zane’s position is full-time, the Kids ministry roles are all part-time and interim. Over the next year, we’ll be praying and seeking the LORD’s guidance on what system is most effective, making any adjustments as needed. But we couldn’t be more excited about this team that God has brought together for right now! They are passionate, humble, and coachable. Be sure to stop by the Ministry Market in the Foyer to say 'hi' and 'welcome!'
Please don’t forget the time of thanks and celebration for Veronica this Sunday after the second service. There will be ice cream available in the Fellowship Hall. Please come, say 'hi,' say 'thank you' personally, and be sure to write on a card provided that she can keep.
Lastly, this Sunday we’re transitioning out of Flannel Graph and into a short two-week series called “No Spare Parts”. That wasn’t the initial plan, but I felt the Spirit pushing us to transition into the Fall Semester with something a bit more practical – grounded in the role of the Spirit. After all, last week we said, “don’t quench the Spirit” and “be filled with the Spirit". We’re excited to see you Sunday! Come ready!
With all my joy and thanks,
Pastor Seth
Please don’t forget the time of thanks and celebration for Veronica this Sunday after the second service. There will be ice cream available in the Fellowship Hall. Please come, say 'hi,' say 'thank you' personally, and be sure to write on a card provided that she can keep.
Lastly, this Sunday we’re transitioning out of Flannel Graph and into a short two-week series called “No Spare Parts”. That wasn’t the initial plan, but I felt the Spirit pushing us to transition into the Fall Semester with something a bit more practical – grounded in the role of the Spirit. After all, last week we said, “don’t quench the Spirit” and “be filled with the Spirit". We’re excited to see you Sunday! Come ready!
With all my joy and thanks,
Pastor Seth
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