November 2023
Reverend David Seabaugh, senior pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, Illinois, was recently presented with the 2023 LCMS Northern Illinois District School Shepherd Award.
The Northern Illinois District School Shephe
rd Award was established as a way to honor faithful pastors who provide outstanding encouragement, support, and service to their schools. Candidates considered for this distinguished honor understand and articulate a clear philosophy of Lutheran education. They support the school administration and actively participate in team ministry. They also work well with the school’s governing body and/or parent advisory associations and actively participate in school activities. These candidates truly serve as champions for their schools.
Pastor Seabaugh was nominated by the National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) Validation Team at the time of their site visit to Immanuel in Spring of 2023. Once a nomination is made by that team, the candidate is asked to write a one-page essay entitled, “Why and How I Love My School.” Additionally, letters of endorsement are submitted from the LCMS Northern Illinois District President, the District Mission Facilitator for Schools, the School Administrator, a school parent who is a member of the sponsoring congregation, and a school parent who is not a member of the sponsoring congregation. Finally, the Northern Illinois District Accreditation Commission reviews all information, approves the nomination, and grants the award.
The letters submitted on behalf of Pastor Seabaugh were full of positive statements about his ability to work with the staff and administration for the betterment of the students, families, and the school itself, and also about his love and commitment to Lutheran education.
“No task is too trivial for Pastor Seabaugh…He leads by example, showing he is a servant of God by helping to meet any of the school’s needs. He has made it his mission to help us parents raise little disciples.”
“I can confidently attest to his profound commitment to the spiritual growth and well-being of the school community. His tireless efforts in fostering a nurturing environment that promotes both academic excellence and the development of strong Christian values have truly made a difference in the lives of countless individuals…Furthermore, Pastor Seabaugh’s overall pastoral leadership is characterized by his deep-rooted faith, integrity, and compassion. He leads by example, living a life of a servant and inspiring others to do the same.”
“He encourages staff and shows great empathy, and he works to build community with the families of the school…
He is certainly a good shepherd to his entire flock, and his work is deeply important to this next generation of believers. My boys have a pastor they can look up to as a great role model and an individual who speaks the truth in love.”
It is clear that Pastor Seabaugh is greatly admired and respected by those he works with and those he serves. It is also clear that he loves and leads the community at Immanuel with tireless commitment and a servant’s heart.
Pastor Seabaugh has faithfully shepherded at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Elmhust, Illinois for the last 6 years. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Truman State University in 1999 and his Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis in 2005. He previously served as pastor at Bethel Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minnesota from 2005 to 2016.
Congratulations, Pastor Seabaugh, on receiving the School Shepherd Award!
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