Pastor Wendy Zadeh
Pastor Wendy will begin at Epworth on Sunday, July 6, 2025. Here is her bio.
Hello family and
friends at Des Moines Epworth United Methodist Church,
I’m so glad to be here and truly grateful for the opportunity
to serve alongside you.
I have been praying for you.
Here’s a little background about
me.
I grew up just outside Philadelphia in a Jewish home and
community. I’m a bat mitzvah and a triplet—which made for a lively and
meaningful childhood. From early on, I was drawn to both spiritual
questions and the sciences, a mix that’s continued throughout my life.
I went to Cornell University for college and studied pre-med.
During that time, I became curious about Jesus. I wanted to understand
why so many people worshiped him—and that led me to read
Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis, and take a class on
Reinhold Niebuhr. Through that book, the class, and through prayer and
conversation, I came to faith in Christ. It wasn’t an easy change,
especially coming from a Jewish background, but it was heartfelt and
transformative.
I attended The George Washington University for medical school,
where I met my dear husband, Farhad. He’s from Iran, was raised in the
Muslim tradition, and was baptized into the Christian faith about 10
years ago. Today he works as a project manager at UnityPoint, and
together we’ve built a family that blends cultures and perspectives
with love and faith.
After medical school, we moved to the University of Virginia
for my neurology training, and that’s where our daughter Hannah was
born. She’s now preparing to start medical school herself this fall!
Our son Cyrus is a rising junior at Ankeny High School. He enjoys the
gym, video games, and is beginning to explore an interest in health
care as well. Being their mom has been one of the greatest gifts of my
life.
We eventually settled in Iowa because Farhad’s sister was
living in Ames when we were looking for a place to put down roots. I
now practice general neurology at Broadlawns Medical Center, with a
focus on epilepsy. I love the work and the people—it’s a calling in
itself. But alongside that, another call was quietly growing.
It began as early as my bat mitzvah, when I stood at the
synagogue pulpit and gave a message on Moses. I didn’t have the words
for it then, but that moment stirred something deep in me. Years
later, while continuing my medical career, I began attending seminary
part-time at Kairos University (formerly Sioux Falls Seminary), with
my Methodist requirements completed through Garrett-Evangelical
Seminary, as I earned my MDiv. Over time, doors opened—first for
preaching, then for worship leadership, pastoral care, and more. My
prior appointments were as associate pastor at New Hope UMC and pastor
at Des Moines Christ UMC.
Now, I’m joyfully stepping into this shared ministry with you
and Des Moines Simpson UMC. I currently split my time between medicine
and church life, and while that has its challenges, it’s also full of
meaning. It’s a rhythm that allows me to offer care in different ways
and to grow into this pastoral role with patience and faith.
As for interests, I play the drums (pretty well!) and dabble in
electric bass—not so well, but with enthusiasm. Music and worship have
always been important parts of my spiritual life. I also love writing,
reading, finding quiet moments for prayer and reflection, and cheering
on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
I come to this new role with a listening heart and deep respect
for the work already done here with Pastor Paul and the faithful
groundwork laid by the Epworth congregation. I’m particularly
encouraged by your dinner ministry on Tuesdays. I’d love to get to
know your stories, walk alongside you in this season, and see how God
might continue to work in and through us.
Thank you for welcoming me. I’m
honored to be here.
~ Pastor Wendy