New pastor sinking roots into community, congregation

Gary Heath Named Seniors Pastor of Lord of Life Lutheran Church

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - Pastor Heath is returning to permanent pastoral ministry after serving in a counseling capacity for 20 years in the Greater Milwaukee area. He and his wife, Emily, founded Kairos Ministries, a non-profit organization that consulted with congregations, pastors and church staffs of all denominations.

Originally from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Pastor Heath has an undergraduate degree in history with a minor in philosophy and religious studies from The University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. He earned his Masters of Divinity from Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa.

"I learned of the unconditional grace of God for every human being and felt I was called to be a pastor," he said. Pastor Heath also holds a Masters degree in social work from The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

After serving as Associate Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, he became Head Pastor for Immanuel Lutheran, an inner city church in Milwaukee, where he served for 10 years prior to founding Kairos Ministries.

"In my work with Kairos, I really enjoyed working with many different congregations and it gave me a renewed appreciation for church life," Pastor Heath said. "I am looking forward to serving Lord of Life and having the type of long-term relationship with a congregation that serving as a pastor provides. I look forward to connecting with one faith community and growing with Lord of Life as the church continues on its spiritual journey and growth."

Established in 1970, Lord of Life is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The church has been in its current facility in Panther Creek since 1979 and has sponsored two mission congregations in The Woodlands during its 40-year history - Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church in Alden Bridge and Joyful Life Lutheran Church in Magnolia.

Since beginning in his current capacity at Lord of Life in mid-October, Pastor Heath has been getting to know his new congregation and community. He has sponsored 'fireside chats' to get to know members on a more personal level in small groups and has quickly assimilated into the life of the congregation.

"I find Lord of Life to be an energetic, spiritually grounded and fun-loving congregation," Pastor Heath said. "There's a diversity of interests, sharing common ministry. There's a passionate, can-do attitude that shows a willingness to step up, especially when it comes to being of service to others."

Pastor Heath has initiated a study group for area clergy of all denominations that is held at Lord of Life each Tuesday. "We all share a common lectionary, so we get together to study the scripture for the coming Sunday. I have found it very valuable to hear other perspectives on the same scripture."

Having lived most of their lives in the Milwaukee area, Pastor Heath and Emily have moved to a home in Cochran's Crossing and are looking forward to 'sinking their roots' into their new community. They have two grown daughters and enjoy boating, fishing, travel, cooking, reading and the arts. "One of my goals is to someday visit Lord of Life's sister congregation in Peru," he said.

In his ELCA statement of calling, Pastor Heath shared his thoughts about ministering to others: "God has called me into ordained ministry through gifts of people skills, communication skills, love of music and liturgy, and an ability to bring positive energy, care, vision and guidance into varying situations in congregational and individual lives."

Lord of Life Lutheran Church is located at 3801 South Panther Creek Drive and holds three worship services each Sunday with distinctly different styles: a contemporary service at 8:30 a.m., a New Life service at 9:50 a.m., and a traditional service at 11 a.m. For more information on the mission and ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, visit their Web site or call 281 367-7016.