Stephen J. Carter

Gail and I have been members of Concordia Lutheran Church, Kirkwood, MO since 2000. I served as Interim Senior Pastor of Concordia in 2006 after Pastor Vern Gundermann retired until Scott Seidler became Senior Pastor. In my career as a Lutheran Pastor, I served three churches in the midwest for 15 years, 5 years as a professor and administrator at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN, and 15 years at Concordia Publishing House in St. Louis, first as vice-president of editorial and then as president.

 

I have been greatly impressed by the early stages of Concordia’s involvement with your organization. Our lay leaders under the leadership of Dr. Seidler have laid excellent groundwork for the building needs of Concordia in line with our mission, vision, and values. The process of Focus Groups and the report to the leadership and congregation under the direction of your consultant has involved many Concordia members and demonstrates listening to the concerns of members. This morning the vote was taken for proceeding or not proceeding with the campaign.

 

Gail and I have agreed to serving on the Steering Committee. We expect God to move mightily in our midst as we again follow the process for reaching all members of our congregation, as recommended by your organization. I have seen the thoughtful deliberation and enthusiastic support of this effort by our leadership and anticipate a successful campaign. The consultant has provided helpful input at every stage and has conducted himself in a professional manner. He has regularly attended and participated in a Wednesday morning men’s Bible Class that I lead as well as many other congregational activities. Thanks for your leadership and your helpful book which lays the groundwork for what we are doing.