Proverbs 27:2, Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.
It is my privilege to recommend Caleb Kolstad (with his wife, Andrea) as a faithful and gifted man of God who has, through the years, given evidence of a true pastoral call, a heart for shepherding, and an unswerving commitment to expository preaching.
I’ve known Caleb and his family for many years, and I’ve enjoyed a long-standing friendship with his parents for 25+ years. I watched Caleb grow up, get married, get his training, serve in an internship in our ministry early on, and become a seasoned shepherd and preacher. I’ve had ample opportunity to observe Caleb’s character and diligence to learn. He has served the Lord with humility and wisdom, and continues to demonstrate careful attention to his doctrine and personal holiness. He’s a dedicated father who has an obvious rapport with his children and the respect of his wife. Caleb and Andrea are always eager to open their home and their lives to the body of Christ, meeting needs with a sacrificial heart without complaint. Their steadfast and proven faithfulness to serve, in any capacity God chooses, is a quality that, I am confident, will result in much fruit for any church.
Caleb is a warm and winsome shepherd with a proven love for the flock of God. I’ve always appreciated his diligent study of God’s word and ardent defense of its truth. Through the years Caleb has engaged the challenges of feeding and leading the sheep, speaking the truth with conviction and in love. He’s called me many times to discuss the current issues within evangelicalism, and he’s always on the right side of the issues with insight and fervency. He and Andrea have a healthy, happy marriage, and Andrea has always fully supported Caleb in the ministry callings given by the Lord. I believe that Caleb’s life and priorities are such that bring honor to the Lord, and I would encourage you to prayerfully consider having him serve with you in the pastoral capacity best suited to your needs. I highly commend their lives to you as exemplary and worthy of your serious interest.
For the Sake of His Name,
Jerry Wragg
Pastor-Teacher
Grace Immanuel Bible Church
Chairman of the Expositors Seminary
