Called as Senior Pastor

     On Monday evening, Nov. 11th, Christ Memorial Lutheran Church voted to call their next Senior Pastor, Jeff Cloeter.  I am humbled and honored by an assembly of 300 people who gathered to make a decision of great significance in the history of their congregation.  Rev. Greg Smith has been the Senior Pastor for 32 years (and has been here for 37).  This is only the third time the congregation has called a Senior Pastor since its founding in 1948.  

     It is appropriate and typical for a man to give four weeks of prayerful deliberation for a call.  I will take just under three weeks, announcing my decision the weekend of Nov. 30/Dec. 1.  In this time I will:

• Find some space to be still and consider the responsibilities of the call.
  
• Pray for myself, my family, our congregation, and St. Louis.
  
• Ask my congregation to join me in prayer for me, my family, our congregation, and St. Louis.
  
• Listen to you.  Share your thoughts on my ministry and our congregation (if you're a member of Christ Memorial).  
  

      I recognize that my readership extends beyond the members of my congregation.  Regardless of where you're at, your earnest prayer is valued.