First Lutheran Church welcomes new pastor

The Rev. Duane Fister is joining First Lutheran Church after accepting the congregation's call to ministry. He will be preaching his first service in Sandpoint on April 21.

Pastor Fister has a rich theological education and background, attending Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, Calif., and from previous institutions, holds advanced degrees in divinity and theology.

First ordained in 1982 and ordained again in 2021 by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Pastor Fister has been involved with public and private ministry for more than 40 years and has served multiple congregations, including two Episcopal churches. He is also a licensed master electrician and has owned and managed an electrical contracting business concurrent with his pastoral activities.

As a leader in public ministry, Pastor Fister sees his role and focus as one of equipping, challenging, encouraging, guiding, and companioning his fellow life travelers. He feels he's at his best when he is "able to recognize or intuit the values, gifts, strengths, roles and passions of others and encourage their participation and expression in congregation, family and community life."

Pastor Fister will be joined by his wife, Lynn. Both grew up in Fircrest, Wash., and met when Lynn was entering high school. The couple have raised four children, including a daughter who, along with her husband and family, live in Priest River.

First Lutheran has served the Sandpoint community since its founding over a hundred years ago. Located at 526 South Olive Ave., the church holds Sunday worship at 9 a.m. followed by a coffee/fellowship hour.  Area residents are invited to come meet Pastor Fister and welcome him to the community.