A Glenville-based pastor is using his calling to help parishioners in a large area.

The Rev. David Efflandt, 41, is the pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Deer Creek Valley Lutheran Church, both located near Glenville.

As pastor, he has two masses on Sunday, visits with parishioners and spends most of his time visiting them in various locations, such as Austin, Albert Lea, Northwood, Rochester and Mason City.

Efflandt also oversees Wednesday night confirmation classes for seventh- and eighth-graders.

He said as a hands-on person, he enjoys discussing the Bible with parishioners and sharing in their joys and sorrows, such as births and deaths of family members.

“I really consider that to be a blessing,” he said.

He said he looks at his position as a calling, not a job.

“This does not ever feel like work,” he said.

Efflandt — a Moline, Illinois, native — is a graduate of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa.

Following his graduation from the University of Minnesota, Efflandt taught middle school band and choir in the northeast suburbs of the Twin Cities.

Efflandt then traveled to California, where he taught for 10 years in three different cities. While working out there, he was a church member and said he was told multiple times that he would be a good pastor.

After entertaining the notion for about a year, he and his family, including his wife, Sarah; and their two children, Austin and Isabella, moved back to the Midwest.

After Efflandt graduated from the seminary in May, the family moved to Glenville and he started his position around July 1.

Although he said being called by the Lord was scary, he added that his position allows him to live out his faith.

Efflandt said he hopes to continue the two churches’ continuing quality ministry, such as vacation Bible school and community outreach. He said his involvement with vacation Bible school and Bible studies allows him to share his faith with others.

As a pastor it is important for him and all people to remember that all people are level in the eyes of God as sinners, he said, and added that he believes Jesus Christ has called people to love one another as Christ has loved everyone else.

He said one of the biggest surprise blessings of his tenure has been spending time with the Bible each day and discussing upcoming readings with parishioners on homebound visits, and noted he enjoys leading an active-faith lifestyle.

“It’s really heartening to see other people kinda take hold of the faith as well,” Efflandt said.

David Efflandt 

Age: 41

Livelihood: Pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Deer Creek Valley Lutheran Church

Family: Wife, Sarah; children Austin and Isabella

Interesting fact: In his spare time, Efflandt enjoys golfing and spending time with his family