A New Chapter for FaithPoint

Lead Pastor Transition Announcement

Pastor Wes Asheim accepts call to be FaithPoint's New Lead Pastor

FaithPoint is delighted to announce the appointment of Pastor Wes Asheim as its new lead pastor, commencing on January 5, 2026. Pastor Asheim brings a wealth of experience and a passion for ministry from his previous position at Christ Lutheran Church in Maple Plain, MN. He will be succeeding Pastor Steve Trewartha, who announced his retirement last summer.

Pastor Trewartha has been an integral part of FaithPoint Lutheran Church for over 15 years, providing guidance, spiritual leadership, and unwavering commitment to the congregation and the wider community. His dedication has left a lasting impact, and he will continue to support the church and work with Pr. Asheim during the transition through May 2026.

Pastor Asheim is set to be officially installed on January 18, 2026, during a special service where the congregation will have the opportunity to welcome him and celebrate this new chapter. Pastor Asheim is eager to continue FaithPoint’s legacy of faith, biblical teaching and community service. He has been involved in ministry for nearly 20 years, serving churches in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Connecticut as well as spending time as a camp counselor for a few summers while in college.

He grew up in Eastern North Dakota (Portland) and attended college at NDSU. He completed his Master of Divinity degree from Lutheran Brethren Seminary in Fergus Falls, MN. He and his wife Anya, have two sons, Jacob and Thaddeus. He has great passion and calling for teaching and shepherding others in their relationship with the Lord.

“We are thrilled to welcome Pastor Wes Asheim to FaithPoint Lutheran Church,” said Loren Sivula, president of the FaithPoint Board. “His deep commitment to spiritual growth, background in youth ministry and faithful leadership aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are confident that he will lead our congregation with grace and vision.”

Recognition of Pr. Trewartha’s ministry, years of dedicated service and celebration of his retirement will take place in April 2026, with more details to come.

Meet Pastor Wes!

We recently announced that Pr. Wes Asheim has accepted the Call to FaithPoint. The Call acceptance followed a year of Call Team activity to find our new Lead Pastor. There will be much more to learn about Pastor Asheim in the future and his 22 years of ministry service, but he provided a brief video introduction that was shown at a recent Sunday service:

Our Confirmation kids had a few burning questions for Pr. Wes. Hit play on this video to catch his answers:

Guided by Faith

Our transition is rooted in prayer and guided by our commitment to serve our church and community.

Love and Support

We are here to support each other through this change, ensuring a smooth and faith-filled transition.

A Message from Pastor Steve

Dear FaithPoint Family,

It has been my great honor to serve as your Lead Pastor since FaithPoint started. As I prepare to pass the torch to a new leader, my heart is filled with gratitude for the love and support you have shown me and my family. This transition is a time for reflection and renewal, and I am confident that FaithPoint will continue to thrive under new leadership. Thank you for your unwavering faith and commitment to our mission. Together, we have brought faith to life, and I am excited to see how God will continue to work through each of you in the years to come.

With deep appreciation and blessings,
Pastor Steve

Transition Timeline

We have outlined the key dates and milestones for our Lead Pastor transition process. Please mark your calendars and join us in prayer and participation throughout this journey.

2024

Announcement of Transition

Pastor Steve announced his decision to retire and the transition process began.

2024

Formation of Call Team

A dedicated team formed to begin the search for our new Lead Pastor, ensuring a thorough and prayerful process.

2024-2025

Candidate Selection

After careful consideration and interviews, the Call Team will select a candidate for the Board’s approval.

January 2026

Installation of New Lead Pastor

We will joyfully welcome our new Lead Pastor with a special installation service and celebration.

Transition Charter

Vision, Goals, and Expectations for the Transition Period

As we embark on this significant journey of welcoming a new lead pastor, our transition charter serves as a guiding document to ensure a smooth and purposeful transition. Our vision is to continue growing as a vibrant community of faith, deeply rooted in our mission to Love Each Other with the heart of Christ, Learn His Word to share the Good News and Shine His Light so that all many know Him. The goals during this period include maintaining the spiritual health of our congregation, fostering open communication, and ensuring that our new pastor is well-supported. We expect every member to engage actively, uphold our values, and embrace this change with faith and optimism.

Meet Our Call Team

Pastor Steve Trewartha

Dave Hagene

Cathy Ilkka

Josh Laffrenzen

Courtney Nelson

Todd Pakiz

Jody Seurer