05 Mar Tim Walberg Becomes Second UB Congressman

Tim and Sue Walberg

United Brethren churches can now claim two members in the US Congress. Mark Souder, from Emmanuel Community Church in Fort Wayne, Ind., was first elected in 1994 and was re-elected to his sixth term this past November. Joining him is first-time Republican Congressman Tim Walberg, who is from Element Church (formerly Trenton Hills UB church) in Adrian, Mich.

Tim Walberg grew up in Chicago, and went on to attend Western Illinois University, Moody Bible Institute, Taylor University, Fort Wayne Bible College (now Taylor University-Fort Wayne), and Wheaton College Graduate School. He spent nearly ten years as a pastor (non-UB churches) before winning a seat in the Michigan State House of Representatives, where he served 1983-1999. He then worked five years as a division manager with Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.

In August 2006, Walberg defeated moderate Republican Rep. Joe Schwarz in the primary, winning 53% of the vote (in 2004, he placed third in the Republican Primary). He then went on to win the general election with 51% of the vote.

“Politics is just another format that can be used as a place of intentional ministry,” Walberg said in an interview with World magazine. “Everything comes at me through the filter of my faith. It has to be that way if this is more than a religion.”

Walberg and his wife, Sue, have been married for 32 years and have three adult children (see the family).