November 2025
For nearly three decades, Pastor Karl Koeppen has served the Lord at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School in Bourbonnais.
As he begins his 30th year of ministry, he reflects on the countless ways God has worked through pastors, teachers, staff, and lay leaders who have faithfully given their time, talents, and treasures. “The people of God here step up in various levels of involvement and leadership,” Koeppen says, describing how members care for facilities, volunteer in ministries, and serve on boards—all united in the mission of sharing Christ’s love.
Education has long been woven into the congregation’s DNA. St. Paul’s recently concluded a celebration of its school’s 160th anniversary, while the church itself is marking 165 years of ministry. Through both church and school, the Gospel continues to shape lives—children baptized, families introduced to Christ, and students learning to share their faith in the community. One particularly moving moment came when a non-member seventh grader asked to be baptized. Pastor Koeppen describes the joy of welcoming her into God’s family as a reminder of God’s presence and faithfulness.
This year also brought a milestone for community outreach: the dedication of the Phil’s Friends Hope Center at the newly named “St. Paul’s Mission and Ministry Center” in downtown Kankakee. This new initiative has opened doors to serve cancer patients and their families, while also drawing in members from neighboring congregations and the wider community to serve alongside one another.
God’s Word and Sacraments remain the congregation’s anchor, providing stability through world wars, terror attacks, economic downturns, and pandemics. Pastor Koeppen often points back to Luther’s words: “God’s Word forever shall abide … The Kingdom’s ours forever.” This enduring foundation sustains the congregation through both blessings and challenges.
The blessings are many: a talented and dedicated faculty and staff, a youth group that has grown to 20–30 students from multiple congregations, and an expanding ministry presence through partnerships with circuit churches. Youth nights, mission
service projects, and shared ministry events are fostering transformation in young lives as they gather to pray, play, and grow in God’s Word.
Challenges persist as well. Cultural opposition to the Gospel and the economic instability that impacts enrollment are realities St. Paul’s must continually navigate. Yet, Pastor Koeppen emphasizes trust in God’s provision, a reliance on prayer, and faithful stewardship of opportunities. “We have learned to be content in every situation,” he reflects, “trusting in the Lord’s will and timing.”
Looking forward, his hopes are clear: that members would draw closer to Jesus, recognize the love of God at work in their lives, and see how they can serve Him in every sphere—family, church, work, and community. And above all, Pastor Koeppen invites prayers that St. Paul’s remain faithful to God and His Word as it continues its legacy of being a beacon of life and hope in Bourbonnais for generations to come.
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