May 4, 2023
On April 30, 2023, Messiah Lutheran Church of Madison, Alabama officially installed Pastor Kristine Schroeder as its second permanently called pastor in its thirty-tree year history as an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America congregation. Pastor Justin Eller, Assistant to the Bishop, ELCA Southeastern Synod presided at the service.
Pastor Schroeder has a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication with minors in Music & Psychology. She graduated from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in 1997 and was ordained shortly after. She has served in both large and small congregations as a part of pastoral staff, solo pastor, and interim. During the first half of her ordained ministry, she served as a Youth & Family, Faith Formation Pastor. She also served as Chaplain & Living Donor Advocate at Mayo Clinic in Arizona for 8 years. This provided the opportunity to enhance her abilities in conflict resolution, pastoral care, and teaching adults.
Through interviews and discussions, MLC’s Call Committee and Congregation Council quickly recognized Pastor Kris’ exceptional gifts for ministry and how well they aligned with the congregation’s Ministry Site Profile (MSP). This document, which the congregation prepares and submits to the ELCA, describes the congregation and its priorities for the future. For MLC these priorities include:
- Being “God’s People, Reaching Out” MLC actively supports 67 active outreach programs locally, nationally, and globally to serve those in need.
- Being a worshiping congregation centered on God’s Word and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Nurturing young disciples and providing opportunities for them to learn, serve, grow, and become confident, fully participating members of their faith community.
- Exceptional music and music ministries, not only for worship but as music outreach. MLC’s annual Music Camp and Music at Messiah Classical Concert Series are two examples.
Pastor Kris has a strong passion for collaborative and relational ministry that integrates all ages and places an emphasis on the discovery and utilization of our God-given gifts. She is very excited about the opportunities at MLC; especially the continued efforts integrating children, youth, and families into the life of the congregation as well as the many outreach projects and possibilities available to the congregation and community. She is also a published author. Her autobiography, titled “Trials to Triumph: A True Story of Faith and Hope” was published near the end of 2015, and speaks to the hope and miracles of Jesus in her life. As a child of God, it was one avenue for her to share with the world who Jesus is and what Jesus can do.
She and her husband of nearly 28 years, Bill (who is a retired ELCA pastor) have relocated to the Madison area from Ohio. Pastor Kris loves music as it provides energy, direction, and inspiration.
Photos from the Installation and Reception
Photo Credits to Claire Davis and Bonnie Flowers.