Friends, family, conference officials and the Santa Rosa church family gathered to witness a special celebration Oct. 23, 2004. After nearly five years of ministry at the Santa Rosa church, Tracy Baerg was ordained as a minister of the gospel.

The ordination included personal friends and family of Baerg’s. Pastor Terry Swenson, Baerg’s uncle and campus chaplain of Loma Linda University, read Jeremiah 29:11-13. He was very happy to be present at Baerg’s service.

“I think the thing that I’m most excited about is that I’ve been able to see Tracy through all the different twists and turns in his life, through which he has always sought God’s leading,” said Swenson. “The Lord has prepared him in so many ways and has utilized his gifts and talents. The Lord has pulled all the strands together to make him an instrument. His creativity, his drama, his creative writing and his love for his youth are just some of his gifts. I’m so proud of him.”

Pastors Bryan Aalborg and Ron Aguilera, Baerg’s mentors, shared with Baerg what to expect from others and himself during his ministry and how to stay connected to God through it all.

“What has really jumped out at me has been Tracy’s willingness to grow,” said Aguilera. “We have had the opportunity to spend time focusing on spiritual growth, and his openness to the mentoring process has really been amazing.” Aguilera feels that in the year and half that Tracy has been at the church, his wisdom has grown in his sermons. “It has been really fun to team together in ministry, and I look forward to teaming together in the years to come,” Aguilera said.

Northern California Conference President Ricardo Graham was also present to give the ordination charge. Other conference officials were also involved. The laying on of hands and the ordination prayer by Ralph and Darlys Robertson followed. Jim and Debi Pedersen then welcomed Baerg and his wife, Kaori (pronounced kow-ree), into the ministry.

“For the pastoral couple, the sharing of the ordination service and the recognition by the church of the Lord’s call is second only to their wedding day,” said women’s ministries coordinator Darlys Robertson. “Being set aside together for a ministry has a profound effect on them both.”

The service concluded with a prayer by Dan Smith and attendees offered congratulations during the reception that followed.

The ordination service was very meaningful to Baerg. “It was very moving to have my call to ministry affirmed by the brethren in front of family, friends and all those I am close to,” he said.

Baerg feels both honored and overwhelmed to fulfill the work before him. He looks forward to ministering to members of the NCC. “We appreciate all the prayers for God’s purpose to be made manifest and for continued strength for witnessing opportunities. My wife and I have accepted the call to bring others to Christ, to prepare for His calling, one step at a time.”