July 2021
Rev. Caleb Schauer of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Union, Illinois, has been appointed by the Board of Directors as Fourth Vice President, representing the West Region of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod Northern Illinois District. An installation service will be held on August 15, 2021 at St. John Lutheran Church, 6821 Main Street, Union, Illinois 60180. It will be a joint service between St. John Lutheran Church, Union, and Zion Lutheran Church, Marengo.
The regional Vice Presidents assist the District President in his duties providing pastoral care and ministry assistance to congregations and church workers in the District’s four regions, North, South, East, and West. The office of Vice President, West Region, was left vacant after Rev. Ken Krause was called to his heavenly home in January 2021.
Pastor Schauer received his MDiv from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and was first called as Associate Pastor to St. John’s Lutheran Church in 2006. He has been serving as Senior Pastor since 2008. Also, during a portion of that time, he served as a Circuit Visitor.
He describes himself as having a heart to see Jesus preached and people reached for Him and he loves working with others to be a creative solution to helping people come close to Jesus, His Gifts, and His Church. He believes current challenges include reaching a society and world with the Gospel through that society seems to be getting further from the God who loves them.
Pastor Schauer married his wife, Melanie in 1999 and they have eight children.
“We are grateful for Pastor Schauer’s fruitful and dynamic ministry and his connection with his community and the wider mission of the Church. His experience and insight will help the LCMS Northern Illinois District be even stronger. A joy for me to serve with many willing servants.” – Rev. Dr. Allan R. Buss, President
God’s blessings to you as you serve His people in the NID, Pastor Schauer!