Vicar Joshua Fields was born and raised in Orange County, CA, in the town of Brea. He was baptized in the Presbyterian church, and he grew up singing in church choirs, which planted in him early a love for music. He was homeschooled by his parents from kindergarten through 12th grade. In 2016, he and his family left the Presbyterian church and moved to their local Lutheran church, Christ Lutheran Church in Brea. There, he quickly began to serve in worship by playing piano and singing in the choir. Around this same time, Joshua developed a deep interest in theology, storytelling, and teaching while in high school and, after conversations with his pastor and others, decided to go to seminary in hopes of becoming a pastor.

He attended Biola University to receive a B.A. in Music Composition, and to study Western literature at the Torrey Honors College. Joshua and Olivia were married in 2024, and a few months later they moved to St. Louis for Joshua to begin his seminary studies. The first two years at seminary richly strengthened not only Joshua’s knowledge of Lutheran theology, but his passion for Lutheran ministry. While in St. Louis, Joshua and Olivia attended Holy Cross Lutheran Church for fieldwork, and Olivia completed her B.A. in Studio Art at the University of Missouri - St. Louis.

Joshua and Olivia are very excited to come to Hanover and are very grateful for the community they have found here. They are convinced that God has placed Joshua in just the right place for pastoral formation and training. They are looking forward to spending the year at Hanover.