Dave Mustaine’s religious beliefs are well known in the metal community, and even got him an interview on an ABC News special. However, Mustaine isn’t the only born again Christian in Megadeth. In fact, bassist David Ellefson even went as far as to launch his own music ministry called MEGALife in Scottsdale, AZ. Now, Ellefson is making an even bigger commitment for his faith.

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Ellefson will be taking online courses in the the Specific Ministry Program at Concordia Seminary operated by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. He will be taking classes while on the road as part of studying for his Lutheran ordination. “It makes higher education possible for me. As a guy my age, to be involved in any kind of higher learning is a great thing. And so far, it’s worked,” Ellefson told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in regards to the benefits of online classes. While he’s already started his classes, Ellefson will be eligible for ordination after two years.

Despite knowing his religious ties, it’s still rather surprising to hear that the bassist of Megadeth is training to be a pastor. With that said, though, not only is it cool to see Ellefson maintain his religious beliefs while still performing in Megadeth, but it’s also nice to see him (and even Mustaine for that matter) able to keep both worlds for the most part separate from each other. So we wish David the best of luck in his online classes and hope he doesn’t get too distracted during the Gigantour.

[via Billboard and Noisecreep]