Erwin Nanasi ordained to gospel ministry

Nanasi’s path to ordination winds through concert halls, the Arctic, and a life devoted to music and ministry

Erwin Nanasi, associate pastor for worship at Spencerville Church, was ordained to the gospel ministry on March 7 in a Sabbath afternoon service held in the General Conference auditorium.

Music was central to the service. Nanasi led the congregation in hymns including “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” “Because He Lives,” and “We Have This Hope.” In a highlight of the afternoon, Nanasi was joined by his wife, Janelle, and their three children for a special rendition of “Jesus, Strong and Kind.”

Nanasi has served at Spencerville Church since 2023 and has previously pastored and held ministry positions in Oklahoma, California, and Michigan. He holds a BA in Theology from Weimar University, an MA in Leadership from Andrews University, an MBA from Western Governors University, and both a Doctorate of Worship Studies and a PhD in Christian Worship from Liberty University.

Originally from Germany, Nanasi showed exceptional musical talent from an early age, earning national awards, scholarships, and distinctions as a concert pianist. By age 17, he had performed in more than 20 countries and left high school to begin conservatory studies in piano performance.

His path changed direction after he attended an Adventist youth conference, where he responded to a threefold altar call, committing himself to baptism, missionary service, and pastoral ministry. At 19, he served as a missionary for It Is Written in Igloolik, Nunavut, north of the Arctic Circle, before moving to the United States for formal ministry training.

In his ministry at Spencerville Church, Nanasi has continued weaving together his love of music and his calling to pastoral work.