New ministry leaders join IC staff

From left, the Revs. Andy Becker, Dr. Heath Trampe and Dr. Brian A. Gauthier were all recently installed into leadership positions at the LCMS International Center in St. Louis. (LCMS/Frank Kohn)

By Cheryl Magness

Three new called servants have recently been installed into their roles at The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) International Center (IC) in St. Louis — one in the Office of International Mission (OIM) and two in the Office of National Mission (ONM).

Connecting with missionaries

The Rev. Dr. Brian A. Gauthier serves as OIM managing director of global mission operations. In this role, he oversees the work of the Synod’s four international regions: Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), Africa, Asia and Eurasia. As part of that work, he serves as the point of contact between the regional directors and the St. Louis-based OIM team, ensuring that the Synod’s mission and ministry priorities, under the direction of the Board for International Mission, are carried out. In addition, he provides theological counsel to both the OIM executive director and the regional directors, especially in matters of missiology.

Before joining the staff at the IC, Gauthier served as a professor of theology and director of the pre-seminary and pre-deaconess programs at Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE), Seward, Neb. From November 2015 to June 2020, he served as a missionary and theological educator, based in Panama, for the LAC region. He also previously served as pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Stuart, Fla.

Gauthier was installed during daily chapel at the IC on Jan. 13 but began serving in his current role in July 2024. In his daily work, he especially enjoys the opportunity to connect with missionaries, seeing how they seek to spread the Gospel, plant Lutheran churches and show mercy around the world. “Spending time chatting through their challenges on the field, witnessing their work and praying for them is quite fulfilling,” he said.

Gauthier received a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry, Theological Languages and Missions from Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, Wis.; and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Doctor of Philosophy in Doctrinal Theology from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (CSL). He enjoys reading, hiking, birding and spending time with his wife, Amanda, and their three children.

Helping carry out ‘the entire Christian life’

The Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe serves as director of Discipleship Ministry for the LCMS Office of National Mission (ONM). Prior to accepting this position, he served as pastor of congregations in Fort Wayne, Ind.; York, Neb.; and Minot, N.D.

Trampe, who was installed at the IC on Feb. 7, says discipleship is something that touches on “the entire Christian life, from the baptismal font to the grave. In my role as director of Discipleship Ministry, I will be working with districts, congregations and pastors to provide resources that can aid Christians on this journey. From witness and outreach, to congregational involvement, to strategic planning, we are excited to help churches carry out the Great Commission where they have been planted. It truly is ‘God’s Mission Here.’ ”

Trampe previously also served as a circuit visitor, as the standing chair for Witness for the LCMS North Dakota District and as the pastoral advisor to the Nebraska District Lutheran Laymen’s League. In addition, he was the content expert for the forthcoming re:Vitality module “Members of One Body,” which details congregational assimilation and incorporation.

Trampe has a Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Communication from CUNE, as well as an M.Div. and Doctor of Ministry from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. From 2008 to 2009, he and his wife, Andrea (Aunnee), served as GEO (Globally Engaged in Outreach) missionaries in Riga, Latvia.

The Trampes will celebrate 20 years of marriage in June. They have two sons, Jonathan and Andrew, both of whom attend St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Des Peres, Mo. In their free time, the family likes to go for walks, play games and explore St. Louis. Trampe said the transition from serving as a parish pastor in North Dakota to serving at the IC has been “a wonderful adventure. St. Louis has a great Lutheran community, and we have been warmly welcomed. Our boys love their new school, and we have all enjoyed exploring the city and making new friends.”

Emphasizing faith in the home

The Rev. Andrew (Andy) Becker serves as manager of family discipleship for the ONM. In this role, he will work with the districts and entities of the LCMS to promote Christ-centered homes where faith is nurtured and lived out so that all would be prepared to stand confidently in that faith, even as worldly attacks on the home and family are ever increasing. “Right now,” said Becker, “I’m focused on learning about the work that is being done in family discipleship within our church body by connecting with districts, academic institutions, Recognized Service Organizations and church workers. I’m excited by so many capable and gifted individuals that are helping to strengthen the Christian home.”

Prior to accepting this position, Becker served for 14 years as family life pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church and School in Arnold, Mo. He has also served a number of volunteer roles for the LCMS, including as a member of the Youth Gathering planning team and as a facilitator for PALS (Post-Seminary Applied Learning and Support), a program to help new pastors and their wives transition from seminary through the first three years of ministry.

Becker has an M.Div. from CSL; a master’s degree in Family Life from CUNE; and a B.A. in theology from Concordia University Chicago (CUC), River Forest, Ill. After graduating from CUC, he served as a DCE before going to seminary.

Becker was installed during daily chapel at the IC on Feb. 25. He is married to Nikki, a Lutheran school teacher, and they have two children. Because the Beckers already lived in the St. Louis area, Becker says that taking on this new role, “although completely different for me, was not disruptive for our family. It was a tremendous blessing for Nikki to continue in her call as a Lutheran teacher and our boys to remain in their schools. Our church family has been incredibly supportive. I’m excited to be able to continue helping families in their relationships with each other and with our Lord.”

Posted April 10, 2025