Our Associate Pastor

Associate Pastor Wade Brinkopf was ordained into the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) in 2014 after obtaining his Master of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. His ordination took place with great joy at his home church, Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sumner, Iowa.

Following his ordination, Pastor Wade’s first call with the ELCA was to First Lutheran Church in Circle, Montana. He also served in Brush, Colorado before making the move to Southport where he planned to enjoy semi-retirement. But shortly after joining Saint Peter in 2022, Wade and Chris were quickly caught up in church life, providing much-appreciated assistance in the areas of worship leadership, preaching, altar guild, fellowship, visitation, and more. No surprise then that Wade was invited to join the applicants when our church council looked to fill the vacant Associate Pastor position. The hiring committee met with several wonderful people, but Wade was already our shining star and graciously accepted the job when it was offered.

Pastor Wade and Chris were married in 1992 at Glory of God Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. They were blessed with a lovely daughter, Loryn, who now lives in State College, Pennsylvania with her husband Bryce Rumsey. She attends Penn State University. 

With guidance from the Holy Spirit and the members of Saint Peter Lutheran Church, Wade and Chris look forward to working in the ministries that God has called them to: worship, education, service to neighbors, and fellowship amongst God’s people. They welcome all who would join them in the wonderful opportunities available at Saint Peter and in Southport, to join this walk of faith which Jesus has taught them, and by which the Holy Spirit guides them.