Church Staff

Rev. Dr. Mark Larson – Senior Pastor
eMail: mark.larson@stlucaslcms.org
 
Bio...
Rev. Dr. Mark Larson was installed as the 8th Pastor in St. Lucas’ 110-year history in January 2017.  He is passionate about how the Bible purely and powerfully expresses God’s grace and love in Christ – and he loves to share that message with everyone.

Before coming to St. Lucas, he served as the Director of United States Ministries for Lutheran Hour Ministries, and as District Executive-Missions for the Rocky Mountain District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.  In that role, he guided the mission and evangelism programs for the district to a diverse population. Under his leadership, the district received the 2008 Executive Director’s Ablaze! Award from LCMS World Mission for a series of evangelism conferences called “Conversations of Grace.”  He began his ministry as Pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and School in Beecher, Illinois.

Raised near Grand Island, Nebraska, he received a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois in 2004. He and his wife, Lisa, have two adult children.

Janice Taylor – Contemporary Music Director
 
Bio...
Janice and her family came to St. Lucas 13 years ago looking for an opportunity to serve in the music ministry. She has been active with the contemporary music program since this time, eventually accepting the position of Director for the program. Janice has been involved with contemporary music ministries for over 40 years, and is ALWAYS looking for musicians and vocalists interested in joining the Praise Team. When not working on music, Janice keeps busy with her work in antiques and estate liquidation.
Rev. James A. Miller – Choir and Creative Director
 
Bio...
James comes to St. Lucas to do music ministry after serving four years as an associate pastor in the Southern Illinois District at his first call. Graduating in the class of 2017 from Concordia Seminary – St. Louis, James was active in the chapel music scene at the Sem, composing, arranging, and directing music for corporate worship, including a jazz liturgy for rhythm section and three horns.

Before going into ministry, James attended Northern Illinois University in his home town of DeKalb, IL, graduating in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in jazz performance on the upright bass. He played in numerous ensembles and small groups on campus including the NIU Jazz Lab Band, the NIU Philharmonic, and the Latin Jazz Band. James was also very active in his church’s campus ministry group, Refuge, where he served as a peer minister and later as vice president.

James lives in the Shaw Neighborhood of St. Louis with his wife Melissa and their two children (Brigid and Raphael).

Kathy Christopher – Parish Administrative Assistant
eMail: office@stlucaslcms.org
 
Bio...
Kathy Christopher serves as the Parish Administrative Assistant.  She loves her job, because it provides an opportunity to serve our Lord through the Church.  She has served in this position since 2009. Kathy has attended St. Lucas since 1963 and was baptized, confirmed and married here.  She and her husband John have two adult children who live in the area.

Kathy also works in the Early Childhood Center. God brings many young children into her life.

Steve Kulifay – Building Operations
 
Bio...
Steve is a life-long member of St. Lucas Lutheran Church.  Since his earliest memories are of St. Lucas, it’s safe to say that he knows the place like the back of his hand.  He serves by assuring that the facility is ready to meet the needs of ministry through rain and snow, heat and cold — and whatever other challenge may arise — to keep the campus a welcoming and functional place for guests, the community and  members.  Steve makes all of our jobs much easier with his care-giving to our campus.

Click Here to go to the Early Childhood Staff page.