December 2023
(Reprinted as originally released by LCMS School Ministry)
The Lutheran School Shepherd Award was established by National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) to honor a faithful pastor who provides outstanding encouragement, support and service to his school. Pastors who are considered for this prestigious award understand and articulate a clear philosophy of Lutheran education and provide spiritual encouragement, guidance and support for the schools entrusted to their care. They are champions for their schools.
We are pleased to announce that Rev. Matt Hoffmann who serves at St. Andrews Lutheran Church and School, Park Ridge, Illinois, is selected as the 2023 NLSA School Shepherd.
Pastor Hoffmann was nominated by the NLSA Validation Team at the time of St. Andrews Lutheran School’s NLSA site visit in spring, 2023. After his nomination was endorsed by LCMS Northern Illinois District officials, a committee of well-respected pastors reviewed each School Shepherd Nomination and selected Pastor Hoffmann from the slate of deserving leaders nominated for this award.
When asked, “Why do you love your school?” Pastor Hoffmann replied, “I love St. Andrews Lutheran Church because of the staff I am blessed to work with, the families I get to see grow in faith, and the joy of witnessing children of all ages learning about Jesus and His love. In the midst of it all, it is a joy to walk together with the St. Andrews family and to be pastor to both members and non-members.”
LCMS Northern Illinois District, Executive Director of Schools, Lois Stewart endorses Pastor Hoffmann’s nomination and shares, “Pastor Hoffmann’s dedication brings congregation and school together as one ministry. Pastor’s guidance allows students many participant/service opportunities in the church. Pastor Hoffmann is available for counsel, support, and to share Christ!”
Principal Laura Boggs affirms, “Pastor Matt’s dedication to the church and school goes above and beyond what is expected. Pastor Matt is energetic, compassionate, and a man who exemplifies what it means to be a spiritual leader. Pastor Matt focuses on supporting and forming relationships.”
A school parent stated, “He has been our guiding light to following Jesus together, moving our family in a direction of love, prayer, support, and understanding. We walked in feeling lost and have never felt more at home than we do at St. Andrews. His commitment extends beyond the Church walls and to every student that attends the school.”
A graduate of Pacific Lutheran University and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo., Pastor Hoffmann has faithfully served at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Giddings, TX, Concordia Lutheran Church in Columbus, OH, and since 2011 at St. Andrews Lutheran Church and School in Park Ridge, IL.
Pastor Hoffmann’s leadership exemplifies the traits of a faithful school shepherd and NLSA is pleased to recognize his service and contributions to Lutheran education with the 2023 School Shepherd Award.
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