Rev. Thomas Aitken was elected Sunday to a six-year term as bishop of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
He was elected on the fifth ballot with 254 of the 408 ballots cast by voting members to the annual Synod Assembly at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center.
“Our head and our heart are stuck in our throat,” said Pat Ettestad, First Lutheran member. Ettestad’s son Brad was one of the voting delegates at the assembly and made the actual announcement while Aitken was seated next to him. “He turned white,” according to Ettestad.
Aitken’s election was announced during Sunday morning services at First Lutheran by Mary Ojala, and the reaction was visible, Ettestad added. “The Kleenexes came out. We are so deeply honored, but also very, very sad.”
Aitken succeeds Rev. Peter Strommen, who is completing his second six-year term and is not eligible for reelection.
Aitken received his bachelor of arts degree from Northwestern College and Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary in St. Paul. His first call was to Emmanuel/Immanuel Lutheran Parish in Hillman/rural Brainerd, followed by a call as associate pastor to First Lutheran Church in Brainerd. He currently serves First Lutheran Church in International Falls and Bethany Lutheran Church in Loman, where he has been pastor for 16 years.
Aitken’s vision for the synod is to lead by listening to congregations and rostered leaders. He sees the role of bishop as being a pastor to rostered leaders by guiding, shepherding and encouraging.
Aitken is proud of the NE MN Synod and its work over last 12 years under the guidance of Bishop Peter Strommen, especially his ministry with world hunger and his careful deliberation over some tough issues. He would like to follow in those footsteps. He feels honored to be elected and will work diligently to obtain members’ trust.
Bishop-elect Aitken will take office Aug. 1. His installation service will be August 23 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd.
Aitken and his wife, Becky, have two adult children.