The Rev. Randall L. Golter of Highlands Ranch, Colo., has accepted a call to serve as the first executive director of the LCMS Office of International Mission. He plans to begin work in the post Oct. 25, when he will be installed at the Internati
Golter, 57, is former president of the Synod’s Rocky Mountain District, where he served the maximum three terms (2003-12). He was a parish pastor from 1985 to 2003, and served congregations including Trinity Lutheran Church, Wheatland, Wyo.; Grace Lutheran Church, Albuquerque, N.M.; and Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Highlands Ranch, Colo. Prior to that, he was a pharmacist.
He is a 1984 graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and is currently working toward a Doctor of Ministry degree from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind.
In his new position he will oversee all staff, programs, projects and activities of the Synod’s international ministries.
Golter told Reporter he is “still quite full of amazement over the Lord’s ways. He is utterly kind and gracious in extending this call to me to serve the church in His mission.
“I simply can’t wait to begin, to get to learn and deeply understand — and to think through together — the complex challenges His missionaries face around the world, as well as those of the staff at the International Center.
“In the midst of a constant hostile culture locally and globally, Missouri must boldly herald God’s doctrine with all clarity and faithfulness to everyone everywhere. We have no other choice.”
Golter said he especially looks forward to “listening to our brothers and sisters of our partner churches. We have much to learn from them as we work together with the Triune God and His mission.”
He added that he is “deeply grateful for my bride of 32 years, Elizabeth, and our boys and grandson, for their prayers as we waited for the Lord to show His hand.” The Golters have two sons — Jacob of Denver and Caleb of Fort Hood, Texas — and a grandson, James, of Denver.
The Rev. Bernhard Seter, chairman of the Board for International Mission — which sets policy for the Office of International Mission — described Golter as “a faithful servant of Christ in many different capacities, recently as district president in the Rocky Mountain District. He has worked tirelessly in raising awareness and funds for work with our partnerships around the world. He has a collegial approach to all he does, and his winsome witness to the love of Jesus has always been seen fostering our ‘life together’ and will serve him well in his new position.”
Seter added, “We would be remiss if we didn’t thank and remember the hard work and dedication of Rev. John Fale and Rev. David Birner, as they worked diligently to bring things together during restructuring and making LCMS World Relief and Human Care and LCMS World Mission a cohesive entity.
“God continue to bless all these men as we all move into the future, remembering that now is the time for Lutheran theology, education, witness and mercy here and around the world.”
Posted Sept. 27, 2012
