Rev. Timothy M. Ritter
Favorite Bible Verse:
“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.” Romans 12:4–6a
I absolutely love being the pastor here at Immanuel! Immanuel was the first church I served following graduation from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in 2011 and is also where I was ordained. After four and a half years, I accepted a call to serve at another congregation, where I served for six years before being called to serve as Senior Pastor at Immanuel in 2022. It is a tremendous honor and privilege to be called once again to serve the faithful members of Immanuel as your pastor.
My wife, Robyn, and I have been married since 2005 and have two boys, Micah and Eli, who are students here at Immanuel. Our family loves to spend time exploring the outdoors, camping, hiking, and visiting the National Parks across the country.
I am passionate about connecting people to God’s Word and empowering them to use their gifts and talents they have received from God.
Our school’s theme this year is “Endure” (Hebrews 12:1-3). Briefly share a time in your life when you felt you needed the endurance that only God can provide. How can you use your experience to share God’s love with the students and families in our school?
Basic Training in the military was a difficult journey for me. I began to doubt if I had made the right decision, if I was strong enough to complete even basic training. I leaned upon my faith as well as a faithful member of my basic training unit who was also a Christian and we both prayed for strength to endure. He was struggling being away from his wife and children and so God provided for me an opportunity to support him, while at the same time someone who was able to support me. It now became that we were enduring together, not for ourselves but each of us for the other.
Who is your favorite character in a book, TV show, or movie? Why?
I am a fan of Tom Selleck and his many roles he has played, but in particular his role in the tv series Blue Bloods. I appreciate the wisdom of his character, how he always looks to do what is right even if it is not easy or popular and sometimes at personal cost to him. I appreciate how his love for his family is demonstrated a multitude of ways, from support, providing a listening ear or willingness to let them suffer through a problem so they can learn and become better.
Hometown: Bellevue, NE
Bachelor’s Degree: Electronic Journalism, Northern Michigan University
Professional Degree: Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis