About Us

Our Mission: 

To see a fuller explanation of our mission, vision, and values based on the "Witness, Mercy, Life Together" theme, click here  

Our Affiliation
Lord of Life Lutheran Church is part of "The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod" (LCMS). This world-wide denomination founded in 1847 in Missouri, is a diverse church body of 2.7 million members in 6,300 North American congregations.

The "Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod" is an association of congregations formed to walk together and help one another accomplish mission and ministry that each congregation cannot do as well alone. The LCMS trains pastors, teachers, and professional church workers; trains and sends out missionaries; prepares Bible Class, Sunday School, confirmation, and other educational materials; conducts radio, television, and video ministry; conducts social ministry programs; maintains a strong chaplaincy program in institutions and in the armed forces; works to alleviate world hunger and poverty through relief programs; and is involved in many other areas of ministry. Through its congregations and agencies it carries out mission work literally around the world. To learn more about the LCMS, click here.

We are a Biblical and Confessional Church. As such, the Bible is our source of faith and practice; we accept, as Christians have for centuries, the Apostles, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds as faithful testimonies to the Holy Scriptures. We also believe that the Lutheran Confessions are a correct understanding of the Holy Scriptures.

We believe in the Triune God - God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We acknowledge one God in these three persons.

We believe that God the Father created the universe. More than that, He created us and continues to provide and protect His creation.

We believe that Jesus Christ, is God's only Son, true God and true Man. Jesus lived a perfect life, took the punishment we deserved for our sin and died for us on the cross, rose again on Easter, and lives and rules in heaven.

We believe that the Holy Spirit changes lives, brings people to faith and keeps them in faith, and is alive and active through the Word and the Sacraments.

Senior Pastor: Mark Below

I was born in Duluth, Minnesota.  My family moved to Brookfield, Wisconsin where I attended Immanuel Lutheran Church and School.  After graduating from Brookfield East High School, I attended Concordia University in Mequon, Wisconsin.  I received my M.Div. from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and served my vicarage at Calvary Lutheran Church, Portland, Oregon. 

I have served as Pastor to congregations in Richfield, Utah; Sandy, Utah and North Prairie, Wisconsin. In March, 2006 I moved to St. Louis, Missouri to join the LCMS Foundation as Principal Gifts Officer. Barbara my wife, is serving as Assistant to the President of the LCMS. 

I now serve with Pastor Rogers and Pastor Al Muck connecting people to Christ at the intersections of life. 

Pastoral Assistant: Jim Rogers*

Born in Central Illinois, I received my BA at Concordia Senior College, Ft. Wayne, Indiana and graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis in 1973.  After vicaring in Bismarck, North Dakota I served a dual parish in the Black Hills of South Dakota and was called as Lord of Life's first pastor in 1977.  Enjoying semi-retirement since December, 2009, my normal work days are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  I have a special interest in archaeology and the Holy Land and have made twelve trips to Israel since 1998. 

 Family Life Pastor: Al Muck

I was born in Adrian, Michigan and attended St. John’s Lutheran Elementary School. Upon graduating from high school I attended Michigan Technological University where I received a degree in civil engineering in 1976. After 5 years in the engineering field, I attended Concordia – St. Paul where I received my certification as a Director of Christian Education. Since then, I have served three congregations in Kentucky and Missouri.

Ordained as a Specific Ministry Pastor in January 2012, I continue my studies at Concordia Seminary-St. Louis.  My current ministry focus is children, youth and family ministry.

  Director of Choirs: Matthew Janssen*

Matthew Janssen is the Assistant Director of Bands at Lutheran High School South (LHSS) in St. Louis, MO.  Matthew directs all the instrumental ensembles at LHSS and teaches in the elementary band program at several Lutheran elementary schools.  In addition to his teaching duties he is active as a freelance musician and performs regularly with the St. Louis Philharmonic.  He also maintains a select trumpet studio.

At Lord of Life Matthew serves as our Director of Choirs.  He directs the Sanctuary Choir, Handbell Choir, plays organ and coordinates the instrumental music for the congregation. 

Mr. Janssen holds degrees from Concordia University—Nebraska (B.S. in Music Education) and the University of Louisville, KY (M.M. in Trumpet Performance).  When not teaching or performing Matthew enjoys reading, cooking, camping and fishing.

 Church Musician:  Anna Brandt*

Anna was born in Watertown, Wisconsin.  When she was in elementary school she and her family moved to Cedarburg, Wisconsin.  She attended Lutheran Preparatory School for high school.  She received an A.A. degree from Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN; a B.A. in Church Music (with a minor in organizational communication) at Concordia University Wisconsin; and a Master of Church Music degree also from Concordia University Wisconsin.Anna is a member of the American Guild of Organists and has passed the Service Playing Exam.  She has served as Music Director of Our Father's Lutheran in Greenfield, Wisconsin and Music Director at Village Lutheran in Ladue, Missouri.  Anna met her husband Chris at Concordia University Wisconsin.  They have been blessed with two children -- Lillia, 4 and Ethan, 2. 

Director of Early Childhood Education: Elaine Robertson

I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Missouri in St. Louis.  After working several years as a manager in private industry, my husband and I had three children.  I was a stay at home mom until our youngest child started Kindergarten, at which point I began as the director of Lord of Life Preschool & Kids' Day Out in  January 1993. I have had the privilege of watching the preschool grow, as my own family grew, now including a daughter-in-law and grandson.

Office Manager: Sharon Koch

 I was born and raised in Ellisville and attended St. John Lutheran School thru eighth grade. I attended Lafayette High School and started working right after graduation.  I worked part-time as Business Manager for Lord of Life for five years and now work full time as Office Manager since October 2009.

Preschool and Kids' Day Out Staff

Melissa Nagy* Stephanie Robertson* Cathy Dailey* Linda Erhmann* Teresa Frank* Nancy Kyle* Diane Mapes* Anna Mueller* Marty Palmer* Mary Ann Rose* Patty Suchland*

*indicates part time

President:  John Dye

Vice-president:  Darrell Schelp

Secretary:  Don Paul

Treasurer:  Steve Mueller

(The appointed position of Financial Secretary is filled by Peggy Krause)

Mark Bossi

Vaughn Bremer

Carla May

Marty Schamber

Scott Strand

Chuck Weber

Members should feel free to contact any Lay Minister using the Contact Us form if they have any concerns requiring attention. 

Serving on the Mission & Ministry Council are:
The four elected officers listed above plus at-large members