Fans of thrash metal pioneers Megadeth will no doubt be familiar with the religious beliefs of front man Dave Mustaine. The vocalist/guitarist has been vocal about his Christian faith since the band reformed in the mid 2000s. It would seem, however, that Mustaine is not the only member of the Megadeth camp to have embraced religion. Co-founder and recent returner to the Megadeth fold David Ellefson is also a man of the Church. What’s more, if Billboard.com is to be believed, he’s also in the process of becoming a Lutheran Pastor.
According to music industry website, Ellefson has enrolled as an online student in the Specific Ministry Program at Concordia Seminary operated by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The report notes that his classes include "
Lutheran Distinctions", "
Preaching I & II", "
Introduction to Worship" and "
Scripture and Faith". After two years at Concordia, the bassist will be eligible for ordination.
While some rock stars find solace in religion after years of living the rock and roll lifestyle, Ellefson notes that his beliefs were cemented in early family life: "I came from a good family, not a broken home... That became a model for me, and I saw church at center of it." As Ellefson’s Pastor, Jon Bjorgaard notes, the musician’s decision to so heavily embrace the church is an unusual one: "Most people want to become a rock star... David's a rock star who wants to become a pastor."
Ellefson notes though that his faith and his role in Megadeth are two very separate spheres in his life: "some people want to morph things together into one, but I have a hand in both worlds... I love praise and worship music, and I love heavy metal."
