Delano Herald Journal

Serving the communities of Delano, Loretto, Montrose, MN, and the surrounding area

New Winsted pastor loves connecting people to Jesus



WINSTED, MN – As the new leader of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Winsted, Dave Hormann enjoys helping people understand the word of God and apply it to their lives.

“I’m a second-career pastor,” Hormann said. “Long story short, did I think I’d be a pastor? Yeah, I did.”

Hormann, who grew up in Waconia and graduated from Mayer Lutheran High School, spent the early part of his career operating an excavating business with his brother and father-in-law. His journey into ministry began when he and his wife, Cindy, along with another couple at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waconia formed a Bible study.

“It grew to 130 people in one year,” Hormann said.

During Bible study, Hormann strived to “connect people to Jesus and not get in the way.” Being genuine and authentic was also important.

“Good or bad, what you see is what you get with me,” he said.

With strong encouragement from people who saw Hormann’s gift, he decided to pursue a degree in Christian ministry from Crown College in St. Bonifacius. From there, he and his family moved to St. Louis, MO, where he studied at Concordia Seminary.

Hormann planted a church in the St. Cloud area in 2003, and later served as pastor for a church in Cloquet. He then spent two years in Tennessee helping Lutheran Church Missouri Synod churches “refocus on the mission of Christ.”

No matter where he is, Hormann often thinks about Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

For now, the place he’s called to is Winsted, which he said feels like home.

“We’re liking Winsted,” he said. “The people at St. John’s are incredible.”

Hormann was installed during the Thanksgiving eve service, and he’s been having fun getting to know the congregation and the community. People who aren’t members of St. John’s are always welcome to visit.

“I love to meet people and hear their stories,” he said.

The children’s Christmas program will take place at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24, and regular worship starts at 10 a.m. each Sunday. To learn more about St. John’s, call the church office at (320) 485-2522.

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