August 2026
The LCMS Northern Illinois District is blessed to have a dedicated, faithful staff in place to serve the needs of congregations, schools, ministries, pastors, commissioned workers, lay leaders, and the many others members of our District. For the July and August Ministry Theme topics, we wanted to take time to introduce (or re-introduce) them to you!
We hope you find it helpful to learn a bit more about each of them.
Meet Rev. John Prohl – Assistant to the President
Much of John Prohl’s ministry takes place during some of the most challenging moments in the life of a
congregation. As Assistant to the President, he works alongside congregations, schools, and ministries experiencing internal conflict, helping them navigate difficult conversations with the ultimate goal of reconciliation under the cross of Christ. He also represents the Northern Illinois District at various events when President Buss is unavailable and assists with other District responsibilities as needed.
John has served on the Northern Illinois District staff for the past eight years, following more than four decades of pastoral ministry. His ministry began as a hospital chaplain, where he served for 12 years before entering parish ministry. He then spent 30 years serving congregations in northern Illinois—first as assistant pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in La Grange and later as senior pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Downers Grove. Throughout each chapter of ministry, his passion has remained the same: caring for God’s people and pointing them to the hope found in Christ.
Family has been one of God’s greatest blessings in John’s life. He and his wife, Pat, met in 1966 while attending Concordia’s Milwaukee campus and have now been married for 56 years. Together they have three daughters, eight grandchildren, and recently welcomed their first great-granddaughter, Leah. Most of the family lives nearby, allowing them to enjoy frequent time together, while their oldest daughter, Ellen, serves as music director at Grace Lutheran Church in St. Petersburg, Florida.
One of John’s greatest joys in serving on District staff has been working alongside gifted and faithful servants throughout the Northern Illinois District. He considers it a privilege to witness pastors, educators, church workers, and lay leaders faithfully serving Christ in their communities. In his own ministry, nothing is more rewarding than seeing relationships restored through confession and forgiveness, allowing congregations to move beyond conflict and once again keep Jesus at the center of their ministry.
Although favorite Bible passages have changed throughout the years, Romans 1:16 has remained especially meaningful since his confirmation. Whenever he has felt inadequate or overwhelmed by the challenges of ministry, this verse has reminded him that the true power does not come from human ability, but from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That confidence has sustained him throughout a lifetime of ministry.
John traces his own call into pastoral ministry back to his childhood. Raised in a Christian home by a father who served as a pastor, he often accompanied him to hospitals and nursing homes for chapel services. Watching his father’s deep love for Christ and compassionate care for God’s people left a lasting impression. From an early age, John knew he wanted to spend his life sharing the good news of the Savior who loved the world enough to give His life for it.
For John, serving the District is ultimately about helping God’s people remain focused on Christ. Whether encouraging a congregation through conflict, supporting church leaders, or celebrating restored relationships, his desire is that reconciliation, forgiveness, and the Gospel always remain at the heart of the Church.
We are thankful for John’s work with the LCMS Northern Illinois District, and we pray for God’s continued blessings on him and his family.
