Leading with Love
Meet Our Pastor
Joël Held
Joël is originally from the Netherlands but has made the United States his home. He is married to Sara, and together they are blessed with two sons, Andrew and Philip.
A professional musician since 1989, Joël began his career in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod playing the pipe organ. His musical background is diverse, shaped by ten years of classical studies and enriched through performing bass guitar in rock and alternative bands, singing with the Pasadena City College Gospel Choir, and leading worship across a wide spectrum of traditions—from Catholic, Lutheran, and Baptist congregations to contemporary Calvary Chapel, Charismatic, and Gospel settings. As both producer and artist, he has released three albums and contributed production credits to many others.
In addition to performance, Joël has been passionate about teaching music since 1995, serving in both public and private schools. During his time at James Madison School, he appeared in the Oscar-nominated film Sing, produced for the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus.
In 2020, Joël sensed God’s call into pastoral ministry. He entered the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP/CMC) program through Concordia University Irvine in partnership with Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. After graduating in May 2025, he was ordained and installed as Pastor at Edgewater Lutheran Church, where he now serves with joy and gratitude.