My ministry at St. Luke’s has been challenging and rewarding throughout the years.  The Lord has provided a core group of committed Christians who have a deep love for the Lord and a desire to be engaged in ministry.  I am privileged to minister with them and be ministered to in a variety of ways.

Early in life I felt the call to share the good news of Jesus Christ as a pastor.  In the pursuit of this calling I attended St. Paul’s High School and Junior College in Concordia, MO and Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, IN.  After college I entered Concordia Seminary St. Louis and graduated in 1970.  In 1971, I completed a Master of Sacred Theology in Pastoral Counseling and then accepted a call to St. Luke’s as Associate Pastor.  In 1974, I was called to the senior pastor position in which I continue to serve.

My wife, Kathleen, and I were married in 1969.  The Lord has blessed our marriage in many ways including four children:  Eric, Christopher, Elisa and Angela.  We are now additionally blessed with seven grandchildren. 

We, at St. Luke’s, invite you and look forward to meet you.

Peace and Joy in Christ,

Pastor Tim Wenger

Rev. Timothy Wenger
Senior Pastor

Pastor Tom Graves

Rev. THOMAS GRAVES
ASSOCIATE Pastor

My name is Martha Strong and I am the Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministry, here at St. Luke’s.
I graduated with a D.C.E. Specialist degree (’88) and Masters in Parish Education (’93) from Concordia University Nebraska in Seward, NE. I also have a BFA from Drake University in Des Moines, IA in Theatre Design and Public Relations.

I began serving as a Director of Christian Education in 1987 with my internship year and first call to Our Redeemer, Freeport, IL. In 1996 I accepted a call to Redeemer Lutheran Church, Springfield, MO where I served until coming to St. Luke’s in February 1999. I met my husband Brian when he began attending St. Luke’s and we were married in November of 2003.

I serve the Lord at St. Luke’s by overseeing Christian Education offerings for all ages such as Vacation Bible School, Sunday school, Confirmation classes, and adult Bible studies. I also work with St. Luke’s youth leaders to provide ministry for 4th through 12th grade youth through our groups CYC (4th – 6th), BIC (7th & 8th) and SLYC (9th – 12th). And I develop family ministry opportunities such as Easter Village, Mother Daughter Princess Party, Father Son Bowling, Girls Night Out, and group event trips- Women of Faith, Fireside Theatre, etc.

I hope I will see you at one of our education or fellowship opportunities as you grow closer to your Christian family and to your Lord, Jesus Christ.

Martha Strong
Director Of Christian Education

My name is James Johnston, and I have the privilege of serving Jesus Christ at St. Luke’s Lutheran church as Pastoral Assistant.
I am married to Valeria, one of the church organists.  We have three children and two grandchildren.

My main area of responsibility is leading support groups.

1. GriefShare:

GriefShare is a special weekly seminar and support group for people who are grieving the death of someone close to them.  It's a place to be around people who understand what you are feeling.  At GriefShare, you'll learn valuable information about recovering from your grief and renewing your hope for the future.

2. Celebrate Recovery:

Celebrate Recovery is a Biblical and balanced program that can help you overcome your hurts, habits, and hang-ups.  Our Lord Jesus Christ gave us the steps we need to take in His Sermon on the Mount.  My prayer for you is that through Celebrate Recovery, you will find deep peace and lasting freedom in Jesus Christ as you walk your own road to recovery.

3. Choosing Wisely:

Choosing Wisely is a program for married people who are starting to think about getting a divorce.  Before you call an attorney, call the church to get involved in this study.  You and your spouse might be able to save your marriage.

4. DivorceCare:

DivorceCare is a support group for people who have divorced.  Once the divorce is final, people can have a grief experience.
They need support to deal with the hurt and the pain of the divorce.  The gospel of Jesus and His people can give the support you need.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

II Corinthians 1:3-4

Jim Johnston
Deacon

Holly Johnson
Parish Administrator
Church Secretary