by Vicar Josh Welbaum,  Synodically Authorized Ministry (SAM) at Holy Cross Lutheran in Albuquerque, NM 

I grew up in Solvang, California, in a Presbyterian (USA) congregation that became a real home for me. Through junior high and high school, youth group was where faith took on skin and bones—serving alongside friends, showing up for service projects, and going on trips that stretched my comfort zone and strengthened my trust in God. I’m grateful for the adults and mentors who made space for young people to belong, ask questions, and practice loving our neighbors. Those relationships helped shape my faith in lasting ways.

Years later, I found myself hearing a familiar story across many communities: congregations faithfully serving yet struggling to find someone to answer the call to pastoral leadership. When I learned Holy Cross Lutheran Church was in that season, I began praying—first that God would raise up the right person. With my background in Scripture and Bible education, I kept asking the Lord to send someone. And eventually, my prayer changed. I finally asked the Lord to send me.

That’s how I came to Holy Cross. It has been both humbling and holy to step into ministry here. Right now, what excites me most is learning “on the job” how to be present as a pastor-shaped presence for this congregation—preaching, caring, listening, and walking with people in real life. I come from a social work background, so there’s quite a bit of overlap: meeting people where they are, navigating hard moments, and building trust over time. Even so, it’s a steep learning curve, and I won’t pretend otherwise. But Holy Cross has been more than willing to go on this journey with me, and that is a tremendous blessing.

The route that brought me here is Synodically Authorized Ministry (SAM). A SAM is a lay minister authorized by the synod—typically for a specific place and a specific period of time—so a congregation can receive preaching, teaching, visitation, and other pastoral leadership when a rostered pastor isn’t feasible or available. For me, this pathway was also about timing and logistics: Holy Cross needed leadership sooner rather than later, and I was ready to serve.

I also know SAM is not my final destination. I plan to transition into TEEM—Theological Education for Emerging Ministries—which is an ELCA formation process that provides theological grounding and practical ministry preparation for candidates serving in their ministry contexts. I’m grateful for a church that can make room for someone like me to step in, learn faithfully, and grow into what’s next.

As I continue in candidacy, my hope is simple: stability for Holy Cross and that my time with them will be a steady presence. I also hope to keep learning how to be a pastor for all people, in ways that are grounded in Christ and shaped by the everyday needs of this place.

If I could add anything else, it’s this: I am truly happy to be here at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. I feel like I get to be my authentic self—and to offer the skills I’ve gained through years of community-based social work—now in service of the gospel and this faith community. I’m grateful for the trust Holy Cross has given me, and I’m excited to see how God will keep forming us together.