Meeting in Indian Wells, Calif., Nov. 17-19, the Synod’s Board for Mission Services appointed Dr. Thomas R. Zehnder of Baileys Harbor, Wis., as its interim executive director.
Zehnder, 72, is expected to serve in the post until a permanent successor is found. The position had been vacant since Dr. Robert Roegner resigned Nov. 16, citing his desire to return to “a more hands-on ministry.” Roegner, 55, had served as executive director since November 2001.
The Nov. 19 decision to appoint Zehnder was unanimous, according to board Chairman Butch Almstedt, and Zehnder accepted the appointment the same day.
“This is a wonderful blessing to us, as Tom is already a part of the LCMS World Mission family as Japan missionary alumnus and currently as an advisory member of our board,” Almstedt said. He added that Zehnder “is very knowledgeable of LCMS World Mission” and its “plans, vision, and priorities” and “is a great supporter of the Synod’s Ablaze! movement and the Fan Into Flame campaign to support it.”
A 1961 graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Zehnder and his wife, Jacquelyn, served as missionaries in Japan for nearly a decade. From 1987 to 1997, Zehnder was president of the Synod’s Florida-Georgia District. He also has served as pastor to congregations in Columbus, Ga.; Stuart, Fla.; and Williamsburg, Va.
Posted Nov. 20, 2008
