Joel Nau, Pastor

Wonder · Curiosity · Hope

How I came to work at Redeemer
I arrived at Redeemer Lutheran Church in September of 2019 having spent the previous ten years in rural Iowa, and eight prior years as a university campus pastor in Salt Lake City, Utah. During the call process I was attracted to Redeemer by what I saw was honest intellectual curiosity about the gospel and deep-seated concern for the well-being of those on the margins. To me these make a powerful combination, one which shapes our life together as we both challenge and encourage one another in areas of worship, service, and learning. Because of this dynamic life at Redeemer never gets dull. There is always a growing edge of faith to explore!

Favorite Bible Verse
John 16:13: "When the Spirit of truth comes, she will guide you into all the truth."

My Family
I spent Christmas in July, 1990 in the kitchen at Holden Village trimming a side of pork and making small talk with Annie Graham. Two years to the day we said our vows in Renton, Washington and together have been trying to figure out life ever since. Helping us in that quest are our two adult children, Samuel and Rebekah, who are both public school educators and continue to teach us new things on a near daily basis.

What Else I Do
On the occasional Monday you may find me trying to fill gaps in my education either with a book in hand or watching classic cinema. Annie and I also enjoy driving trips whenever possible, last year to the northern coast of Oregon.