|
|
|
|
Who We Are
We would like to welcome you and tell you a little something about our congregation: its pastors and leaders; its opportunities for worship and growth; its beliefs; its programs of Christian education; and its opportunities for fellowship.
It's been said that "strangers are only friends we have yet to meet." We're happy that you have chosen to look into our congregation. May you find comfort and joy in our beliefs and remain with us as a friend.
|
|
|
Mission
and Belief
The
continuing purpose of this congregation, as a gathering of Christians, is to
serve all people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ as he himself instructs us in
Matthew 28:19,20.
The
primary objectives of this congregation shall be:
- To
proclaim the Law and the Gospel, to lead sinners to repentance and faith in
Jesus Christ for life and salvation (2 Timothy 4:2; Luke
24:26-48);
- To
strengthen believers in faith and sanctification through the Means of Grace
(Romans 10:17); and
- To
equip believers as disciples, stewards, and witnesses for sharing the Gospel
of Jesus with our fellowmen (Ephesians 4:11,12).
This
congregation is affiliated with and supports the work of the Wisconsin
Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS).
|
|
 Church
History
Exploratory
work for the establishment of a congregation of the Wisconsin Evangelical
Lutheran Synod (WELS) in Fairmont began in the fall of 1976. The first official service for this
fledgling congregation was held on January 6, 1978. The initial exploratory work was done by
Pastor Eugene Roecker of Butterfield, MN.
Shepherd
of the Lakes Lutheran Church was first organized in May of 1978. Early church services were held in
members’ homes with the present church building being purchased in October of
1978. The dedication service was
held on November 12, 1978 with Pastor Roecker officiating.
He
served as pastor until 1979 when Pastor Robert Wilke, a recent seminary
graduate, was installed as the first resident pastor of the congregation. Pastor Wilke served the congregation
faithfully until March of 1984 when he accepted a call to Columbus, Wisconsin.
Pastor John Miller was resident pastor from 1984-1989. Pastor Ralph Bauer from
New Ulm served as the vacancy pastor from the fall of 1989 to the summer of
1990. Pastor Bradley J. Pearson was installed on June 24, 1990 and served until
April of 1996.
Pastor
David Waterstradt was installed on July 15, 1996 and served the congregation
until February of 2005. Pastor
Darvin Raddatz served the congregation as a vacancy pastor from February
2005-July 2005.
Currently
serving is Pastor David Bendix, a recent seminary graduate, who was installed
into service on July 24, 2005.
|
|
 Pastor Bio
Pastor David Bendix
B.A., Martin Luther College (2001)
M.Div., Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (2005)
Vicar at Messiah, Wichita, KS (2003-04)
Service at Shepherd of the Lakes since 2005
Pastor Bendix is a 2005 graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary located in Mequon, Wisconsin (a Milwaukee suburb). Before his seminary studies, he attended Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School and Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota. He grew up in the Redwood Falls, Minnesota area.
Pastor Bendix is married to Jennifer, and they have two children Mikayla & Brennan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
