Welcome Rev. Dr. Aaron Nagel
Rev. Dr. Aaron Nagel has been confirmed and will be here Palm Sunday, April 13, for his first Sunday as our head pastor.
Biography: Rev. Dr. Aaron Nagel
I am the son of a Presbyterian Minister and grew up in Florida where I met my wife Barbara – who lights up my life – in the church youth group. I graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in psychology and Austin Seminary with a Masters of Divinity.
I began ministry as an Associate Pastor in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Barbara and I were married and our son, Sage, was born. It was here I discovered church people who had questions about spiritual living. How do I become more spiritual? How do I get closer to God in my life? How do I know when God is really speaking to me? Convinced that present-day Christians needed the church to assist in the development of their personal and spiritual lives, I pursued and completed a Doctorate in Christian Spirituality and Spiritual Formation from Columbia Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. My Doctoral Project, Finding REST: How to Talk to God, was a study on how prayer can overcome discouragement in ministry and life by conversing with God in “simple speech.”
My second call was as Sr. Pastor of First Presbyterian, Leesburg, Florida and our son, Clay, was born. During this time, I faced many personal challenges in life. Our oldest son, Sage, was diagnosed with autism which began a family ministry of medical research, supplements, treatments and therapy. In a short time, Clay would receive the same diagnosis. Due to our children’s medical condition and inadequate school services in Florida, we would have to rely on the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Through this time, my faith would be tested, and through many prayers I would come to a renewed sense of pastoral call. God would constantly be proclaimed as the God of hope and love, who leads us in times of joy and sorrow, in mountaintop experiences and in the valleys of despair. With the love of God and a family of faith we can and will do great things for Christ. I am constantly reminded that God never turns a blind eye or a deaf ear. God is always faithful and loving when people of faith experience either joy and elation or tragedy and despair.
God provided and led me to become Pastor of Long Valley Presbyterian in Long Valley, New Jersey. Over 17 years, the congregation experienced tremendous growth spiritually and numerically as 80% of the church family joined during my tenure. I created CLAGE Publications® to produce spiritual growth materials for everyday living. Additionally, I taught as Adjunct Professor of Comparative World Religions at Warren Community College in Washington, NJ. For the last past 6 ½ years, I have served as Sr. Pastor of Little Falls Presbyterian in Arlington, Virginia – just outside the nation’s capital – leading a wonderful congregation engaged in worship and outreach to the community.
I am an avid NFL fan, cheering first for the Buccaneers, Jets and Broncos, and adamantly for any team playing against the Cowboys. In my leisure time, I enjoy traveling, theatre, sports, reading and making jambalaya and shrimp creole – the Nagel roots originating from New Orleans.
I look forward to an exciting ministry together and feel blessed to be called to serve our Lord Jesus Christ at Sandia Presbyterian with such an amazing church staff and family. I know the Holy Spirit has a wonderful ministry and future before us. May Jesus Christ be Praised!
