Our Ministry

Stan Berntson and His Wife Sharon Geldaker Commissioned at the Alaska Synod Assembly

It was a light-hearted moment, but one that was also filled with much love and respect, as worshippers were invited to raise their hands in blessing over Stan Berntson and his wife Sharon Geldaker – when suddenly, two Pastors, close friends of the couple, dashed to the Baptismal Font and scooped out water to shower on a very surprised Stan and Sharon declaring, “Theirs is a water ministry and needs water as part of the commissioning blessing!”

The new Pastor/Skipper and First Mate of the M/V CHRISTIAN, Pastor Stan and Sharon, were commissioned for their new ministry during the Friday Evening Worship Service of the 2008 Alaska Synod Assembly at the Lutheran Church of Hope in Anchorage, Alaska. Pastor Michael Keyes, Bishop of the Alaska Synod, assisted by Pastor Paul Brinkman, Senior Director of Development for the Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots, U.S., carried out the commissioning in keeping with the Call extended to Stan and Sharon by the Alaska Synod Council.

Having served as Pastor of First Lutheran Church in Ketchikan, Alaska, for eighteen years, Stan Berntson is highly respected by his peers for his work in the church, as well as his knowledge of the region of Southeast Alaska: the communities, the churches, the geography and the waters of the area. Sharon is a Registered Nurse and works in community health. Stan took over the helm of the M/V CHRISTIAN in early April, and Sharon will join him in September on a full time basis as First Mate. Together, they form a dynamic team, eager and excited about embarking on this new adventure in ministry together.

Stan and Sharon succeed Pastor Elvin and Alice Borg who recently retired after ten years of ministry aboard the M/V CHRISTIAN. In 2010, the ministry of the M/V CHRISTIAN in Southeast Alaska, pioneered by Pastor Ken and Nancy Olsen, will celebrate its 20th Anniversary as a part of the Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots, U.S.