"We are a priesthood of all believers. Some are called to be full-time pastors. These are two who have been called," said Jerry Page, conference president, at the April 24 commissioning service of Sam and Myronie McKee.

"We have come to know their hearts and have found that this couple has been called by the Holy Spirit to heal and restore lives and to prepare God’s people to meet Him in peace," Page continued. "On behalf of the Central California Conference, the world Church and the Sunnyvale congregation, we commission you into the Gospel ministry."

Sam grew up in Antioch, Ill., where he was taught to pray by his mom, a dedicated Catholic. A homeless man struggling with drug addiction first invited Sam to church—an inner city Adventist church. A year later, at age 19, Sam was baptized.

As a journalism major at Eastern Illinois University, he spent his spare time giving Bible studies to teens. Seeing the incredible power of God changing their lives, he became convinced that there was no better way to spend the rest of his life than to share Jesus with other people. He then attended the seminary at Andrews University.

Myronie Talento, the daughter of an Adventist pastor, grew up in Central Calif. "I always knew I loved the Lord, but it wasn’t until I was on a world trip with my best friend that I knew He was calling me to serve Him through ministry," said Myronie.

Myronie graduated from Monterey Bay Academy and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Pacific Union College. She then headed to the seminary at Andrews University.

After receiving their master of divinity degrees, Sam was called to pastor in Colorado. The Hawaii Conference called Myronie to train members in small group leadership and to establish cell churches on the islands.

When Myronie moved to Sunnyvale, Calif., in 1999 as associate pastor, she and Sam reconnected. They were married in 2001, and Sam joined the Sunnyvale pastoral team. A son, Kai, joined the family in December 2002, and they now expect their second child at the end of this year.

The congregation shines with a healthy church culture as a result of their pastoral leadership. Members are involved in community outreach programs. There are more than two dozen small groups, and there is a constant flow of new attendees.

Sam and Myronie are known for their joy in God’s kingdom and their prayer life. Though they were each voted least likely to become pastors in high school, they agree that nothing is more fun or more important than to give their lives to sharing Jesus. They joyously agreed, "We’re in love with God and amazed at what He is doing in our lives."

As voted by the world Church and the North American Division in 1989, women can be commissioned to pastoral ministry. Commissioned ministers are authorized to "perform substantially all the functions of the ordained minister within the territory of the organization he/she serves" (NAD Working Policy, L 22). Because the McKees minister as a team, Sam chose a commissioned credential instead of ordination.