Pastor Jim Stuck
Pastor Jim Stuck began serving as Interim Senior Pastor in December 2011. Born in Columbus, Ohio, and a graduate of Capital University, Pastor Stuck was ordained in 1973. He served from 1973 to 1976 as Director of Camp Frederick, A Lutheran Outdoor Ministry in Rogers, Ohio, and has served as pastor oat Zion Lutheran Church in New Waterford, OH; St. John Lutheran Church in Saginaw MI; St Paul Lutheran Church in Michigan City, IN ; and King of Glory Lutheran Church in Carmel, IN.In 1992, Pastor Stuck received a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Graduate Theological Foundation in Donaldson, IN. He was elected bishop of the 71,000 member Indian-0Kentucky Synod of the ELCA in June 1998 and re-elected in 2004.
His distinction as a parish pastor is widely recognized. His service as bishop was one of mature and gentle care and compassion. For his service and leadership to the church and to the broader community, Capital University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree and Trinity Lutheran Seminary presented him with the Distinguished Alumnus in Christian Service award in 2010.Pastor Jim shares; “Kris and I, and our whole family, are grateful for the warm welcome we received from you all. We already feel at home with you and are looking forward to our life together as we share God's love and serve in his name. Some of the things you might want to know about us: Kris and I celebrated our 40th Wedding Anniversary last summer. We have three married children and nine grandchildren. Kris cares for the three of our grandchildren each weekday in our home as both parents work full-time, but we often have the other grandkids present making for what I might call "Crazy Cousins Chaos." On those days our house resembles a Zoo. It is a huge blessing and we are thankful for these days in our family life.
Some of the things you might "not" want to know about me: I am a Buckeye. I grew up in Columbus, Ohio. Some say that a Buckeye is "a nut that doesn't fall far from the tree." Well, I fell as far as Indiana and it is ironic that we have Buckeye trees in our yard. While growing up in Columbus I spent my days learning music (piano, trumpet/French horn, voice) and playing sports (Basketball, swimming, bowling, golf, etc.) and going to class in between extra-curricular activities. My father and grandfather were pastors and so I was very active in my home congregation. Kris and I met as we sang together in the Chapel Choir at Capital. Also during these days I was involved in Lutheran Camps, first as a camper and then for eight years as a staff member in Ohio and Michigan. In my first Call I not only served a small congregation in Northeast Ohio, but was also Director of Camp Frederick. I spent a total of 15 years in youth ministry as either a camp staff member or a youth pastor.
Actually, I never stopped working with youth, even as a Bishop. I hope I will have opportunity to do that at CTS.”Besides my immersion into congregational life through my family, two things formed my faith as a young man: scripture and music. In the Bible, I found the “living” Word of God. The Spirit jumped out at me from its pages and changed my life. Through music I experienced an emotional bond to my faith that has strengthened me and helped me grow in my relationship with God. Through the community of faith and its scripture and music I experienced a Call to ministry that I have never regretted. I have been blessed richly by God and the people of God as we have served together as followers of Jesus. I look forward to the journey ahead knowing that “all things work together for good for those who love God, and are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)As Interim Senior Pastor, Pastor Jim will lead the congregation during a transition time before the congregation calls a new Senior Pastor. Please feel free to give Pastor Jim a call, or send an email; jstuck@christthesavior.org, 842-5649, ext. 221.