Rev. R. Reed Lessing has accepted the call extended him to serve as assistant professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He has been serving as pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Broken Arrow, Okla., since 1990. Trinity is a growing congregation near Tulsa, Okla. which has nearly tripled in membership over the past eight years and has a baptized membership of more than 850. From 1986-90, Rev. Lessing served as pastor of Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in West Monroe, La.

Rev. Lessing received his bachelor of arts degree from St. John's College, Winfield, Kan., in 1981. He received his master of divinity and master of sacred theology degrees from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 1985 and 1989 respectively. He is in the process of completing his doctor of philosophy in theology dissertation at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

Rev. Lessing served as secretary of the Oklahoma District of The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod from 1991-94, circuit counselor of the Tulsa circuit from 1994-97 and is currently the second vice president of the Oklahoma District, a position he has held since 1997.

"I look forward to being used by God to help form men for Word and Sacrament ministry," commented Rev. Lessing. "Being a pastor as we approach the new millennium is not an easy task, and it requires nothing less than the best possible preparation. It is not a question of being a pastor or being a theologian. A pastor in this day and age must be a theologian who is able to lovingly and effectively communicate the truths of God's Word to people."

Rev. Lessing and his wife, Lisa, have three children: Abi, Jonathan and Lori. Rev. Lessing will assume his new responsibilities this fall.

For more information, contact Rev. Glen Thomas, Concordia Seminary, 801 DeMun Avenue, St. Louis, Mo., 63105; (314) 505-7371; thomasg@csl.edu.