Rev Mitchel Schuessler
Pastor

I am pastor at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church. The greatest pleasure I have in the ministry is the sharing of the Word of Christ and administering the Sacraments. Through these Means of Grace, I see people’s lives changed, strengthened and blessed. “Preach the Word in season and out of season” St. Paul writes and that is what I am called to do.

I greatly enjoy leading worship, teaching Bible class and bringing the Word of God to the hurting and lost. There is nothing like seeing God’s Word strengthen a person who is facing challenging times in his/her life. At St. Paul’s School I teach confirmation class for the 7/8 grade class as well as religion one day a week in each of the other classes from K-6 grade. I enjoy leading weekly chapel services on Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. for the Preschool – 8th grade.

I was born and raised in Decatur, IL and was a student at the Lutheran School Association in Decatur from K-8th grades. I graduated from Millikin University with a B.A. in religion in 1983 and Concordia Seminary with Master of Divinity in 1987. I have served congregations in Wisconsin and Illinois. I have been pastor of Saint Paul’s since 2009.

I am married to Penny Schuessler and have 2 grown children – Rachael and Matthew. Rachael is married to Brandon Beckemeyer and lives Collinsville, IL. Matthew is living in Lincoln, NE and looking forward to May 2018. I enjoy reading, photography, train watching and model railroading. Serving the Lord is the heart and center of my life.

Most weekday mornings you can find me in or around the church office, in one of the classrooms or spending time with the children. I am available afternoons for those who would like to have me visit them in their homes. People often say, “Pastor, I didn’t want to bother you because you are busy…” Actually, I am never too busy to minister to you as you face difficult times.

Call me, email me, or come by the office. My door is open to you when you need your Pastor.