Church Leadership
St. Paul’s is governed by its Congregation Council and boards, as defined by its constitution. Board chairs and members are nominated each spring by the nominating committee and confirmed by the congregation at the annual meeting.
Church Council
The Church Council has general oversight of the life and activities of this congregation, and in particular its worship life, to the end that everything be done in accordance with the Word of God and the faith and practice of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Members include the president, president elect, past-president, secretary and treasurer of the congregation, the chairs of each of the boards, the pastors who are called to serve the congregation full-time, the Faith Formation Board high school member, and the Director of Administration.
2025-26 Members: Russ Jerome, President; Dani Gordon, President Elect; Renae Bockholt, Treasurer; Penni Pier, Secretary; Jerry Elsamiller, Past President; Grant Benschoter, Faith Formation Board chair; Luann Camp, Mission Board chair; Michele Fischer, Parish Life Board chair; Joy Becker, School Board chair; Barbara Meyer, Worship Board chair.
Faith Formation Board
The Faith Formation Board is responsible for planning, oversight, and coordination of the faith formation programs of the congregation (excluding St. Paul’s Lutheran School). This includes programs for the entire congregation.
2025-26 Members: Grant Benschoter, chair; Stephanie Bochmann, Audrey Elsamiller, Abby Jerome, Katie McGlaun, Aubrey Moeller, Bryan Shannon
Mission Board
The Mission Board is responsible for planning, oversight and coordination of programs which provide for an active response to the gospel that strives for peace and justice. The work of the board will focus on both local and global evangelism and outreach.
2025-26 Members: Luann Camp, chair; Jim Fischer, Curtis Hansel, Ed Scharlau, Barbara Dilly, Leland Camp
Parish Life Board
The Parish Life board is responsible for planning, oversight and coordination of programs which seek to enhance the communal life of the congregation. The work of the board will focus on, but will not be limited to, intergenerational fellowship events, new member orientation, small fellowship groups, and volunteer ministry.
2024-25 Members: Michele Fischer, chairs; Jen Balk, Noelle Else, Julie Kraus, Tonia Horst, Karen O’Malia
School Board
The School Board ensures that the teachings at St. Paul’s School are focused on the message of Christ and creating a God loving atmosphere; establishes and revise general operating policies and procedures as needed; collaborates with the Finance Committee and Church Council regarding operations of the school; works with other boards in reviewing and effectively communicating the ministry of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church & School; provide oversight for student progress through the review of assessment data, which will enable us to maintain accreditation with the Iowa Department of Education; collaborates with the school staff to ensure that curriculum resources and materials are aligned with the goals and mission of the school; serve as an advocate for the school.
2025-26 Members: Joy Becker, chair; Alex Barton, Danielle Luchsinger, Tom McGrane, Mike Ramker, Dwane Waterbury
Worship Board
The Worship Board shall be responsible for planning, oversight and coordination of the programs that contribute to the worship life of the congregation. The work of the board will include, but not be limited to, attention to the following areas: music, worship resources and the development of a worship community at which all are welcome.
2024-25 Members: Barbara Meyer, chair; Dick Moeller, Karen Dickman, Kyle Lockie, Reed Mick, Lyla Pier