Governing Board Meets, Welcomes New Chair
The Martin Luther College Governing Board met on campus September 30-October 1, led by the new chair, Pastor Aaron Mueller MLC ’99, WLS ’04.
Pastor Mueller is excited for the future of the WELS College of Ministry. “The students I’ve interacted with, my future coworkers, have been incredible,” he said. “They’re thankful for the MLC culture and environment, and they’re looking forward to ministry. The Cultural Engagement Center is a wonderful addition with Professor Robinson, Professor Schwartz, and Mrs. Kassuelke. I’m very excited to see this start and flourish! Since I first stepped foot in the Chapel of the Christ a few days ago, I see what an overwhelming blessing it is. And to think the next time I return to MLC, the Betty Kohn Fieldhouse will be completed. The blessings abound—and I’ve just scratched the surface. This is just a fantastic place to be!”
He also made note of the challenges we face—as a college and a synod. “It’s no secret that across our church body, we’re in a worker shortage. Student recruitment, retention, and ministry readiness will always be of critical importance. I’ve been very impressed with the MLC administration and their efforts to address these issues. I’m also thankful for the support so many have given toward the Equipping Christian Witnesses campaign.”
As Mueller looks ahead, he also looks up. “The issues we face in life and ministry will always have us looking to God in faith and pleading with him in prayer. As God continues to shake the nations, the ministry opportunities abound. My prayer for the future of MLC is that he uses us to meet the diverse ministry needs of WELS. By training qualified and competent servants of the Lord, MLC remains the city on a hill Jesus envisioned. I want nothing more than for his light to continue to reach the ends of the earth.”
President Rich Gurgel is grateful for Pastor Mueller’s acceptance of this new leadership role and also for the many years of service by outgoing chair, Pastor Michael Woldt NWC ’76, WLS ’80. “As we welcome our new governing board chairman,” Gurgel said, “we want to thank God one more time for the 12 years of faithful service to MLC and our synod by Pastor Michael Woldt. His steady leadership was a blessing to our college of ministry in many, many ways!” ‘
Front: Mark Wessel NWC ’82, WLS ’86, David Uhlhorn MLC ’99, ’17, Daniel Leyrer NWC ’85, WLS ’89, Michael Lindemann NWC ’87, WLS ’91 (vice chair), Dale Krause, Aaron Mueller (chair); middle: Andrew Van Weele MLC ’04, Michael Krueger (advisory), Michael Valleau (member-at-large), Mark Schroeder NWC ’77, WLS ’81 (WELS president, advisory), Joel Lauber MLC ’06, Duane Rodewald NWC ’85, WLS ’89 (Board for Ministerial Education chair, advisory); back: Geoffrey Kieta NWC ’89, WLS ’93 (secretary), Timothy Petermann, Paul Prange NWC ’84, WLS ’88 (Ministerial Education administrator, advisory), Joe Archer DMLC ’78, Dennis Klatt NWC ’84, WLS ’88 (Minnesota District president, advisory), Thomas Walters (advisory), Richard Gurgel NWC ’81, WLS ’86 (MLC president, advisory). Not pictured: Thomas Klaudt.
