Four new staff installed in new LCMS positions

The Rev. Steven D. Schave was installed as associate executive director of the LCMS Office of International Mission (OIM), and three deaconesses were installed in new positions in the OIM and the LCMS Office of National Mission (ONM) during a June 10 chapel service at the Synod’s International Center in St. Louis.

Synod President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, left, installs four new staff members to new Synod positions June 10. They are, from left, Deaconess Eleanor I. Corrow, the Rev. Steven D. Schave, Deaconess Kimberly Schave and Deaconess Sandra J. Bowers. (LCMS Communications/Frank Kohn)

LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison installed Schave and Deaconesses Kimberly Schave, Sandra J. Bowers and Eleanor I. Corrow.

Harrison told the new employees that they were taking part in a “vocation of mercy.”

“That’s what you’re called to and placed into today,” he said. “You have unique and remarkable gifts. What a joy that is for us!”

The Rev. Steven D. Schave will assist in developing and implementing the OIM’s strategic plan and the development and management of relationships with LCMS entities and related organizations — including mission societies, Recognized Service Organizations and current and emerging church partners.

“The scope of work is magnificent,” Schave said. “Our eyes are focused on Witness, Mercy, Life Together to the ends of the earth.”

His day-to-day responsibilities include supervising OIM operations, providing general oversight of all OIM domestic and international staff and connecting with the ministry and service units based at the LCMS International Center to ensure integration and tactical execution of OIM programs.

“Once again, God has blessed us with a wonderful addition,” said the Rev. Gregory K. Williamson, LCMS chief mission officer. “Steve is a most welcome addition to our OIM team. He brings a host of gifts that will enhance our ability to perform our mission effectively and efficiently in witness, mercy, and our life together.”

Before joining the staff of the OIM, Schave served as pastor for revitalization at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Cincinnati, Ohio — a position he was called to in 2008. Previously he served a call as mission developer and pastor at Christ Lutheran Church, Perry, Ga. (2005-08).

Also, Schave served as an adjunct professor in the College of Business at Indiana Institute of Technology, Fort Wayne (2002-05); director of business systems at University of Toledo (2001-02); business systems division group leader at Matrix Technologies, Maumee, Ohio (1998-2001); and business technologies team leader at AVCA Corp., Maumee (1997-98). He also worked as an advanced engineer at Pilkington in Toledo (1997-98) and as executive systems manager at Fifth Third Bank, Cincinnati (from 1991-96).

Schave earned a Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., in 2006 and is pursuing a doctorate at the seminary. He earned an Executive Master of Business Administration degree in 1998 from University of Toledo, Ohio, and a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in computer and information systems in 1991 from The Ohio State University, Columbus.

Deaconess Kimberly Schave is serving as assistant director, administration and operations, LCMS Office of National Mission. She will facilitate project planning and budgeting, oversee and provide direction to the ONM’s administrative team, provide leadership in the areas of process improvement and management, oversee the national granting function and connect with the ministry and service units based at the LCMS International Center to help ensure the integration of ONM ministries and programs.

“I look forward to serving the Synod in an administrative capacity that also brings to bear our rich theology of mercy and missions,” she said.

She is a 2006 graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., and a certified public accountant. Previously, she worked in accounting and finance and held several teaching positions at universities in Georgia and the Midwest. She also served as a deaconess at Christ Lutheran Church, Perry, Ga. (2005-08). She is currently working on her doctorate.

Deaconess Sandra J. Bowers is serving as a coordinator in LCMS Worship, where she will assist with development and distribution of worship resources for the church, spiritual care for LCMS International Center employees and a variety of tasks necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the LCMS Worship ministry. She has served as a deaconess in prison ministry and one of three prison-ministry coordinators for the LCMS Southern Illinois District. In that position, she conducted weekly Bible studies at federal and state prisons and developed and implemented “Freed in Christ,” an extensive program for helping prisoners prepare to re-enter society.

Bowers earned a Master of Arts degree in practical theology with a minor in systematic theology and a certificate in deaconess studies at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 2005. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in management from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, in 1997.

Deaconess Eleanor I. Corrow is a coordinator in LCMS Missionary Services.

“It’s my great joy to serve our missionaries,” she said during the installation service.

Corrow is responsible for coordinating the pastoral-care program for LCMS missionaries and their families and assisting the LCMS Missionary Services team in tasks related to recruiting, training, deploying and re-deploying and overall care for missionaries and their families. She has several years of experience as a professional caregiver for elderly people and as a counselor in a crisis pregnancy center.

A 2012 graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., with a master’s degree in deaconess studies, Corrow also holds master’s degrees in theology and church history from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, Mass., and a bachelor’s degree in general liberal studies from Vermont College, Union Institute and University, Montpelier, Vt.

“What a blessing to have these three talented, faithful deaconesses join our ONM and OIM staffs!” Williamson said. “Their variety of gifts will quickly boost our ability to serve the men and women of our church, and they bring a wonderful mix of experiences that will enrich our corporate witness, works of mercy and life together. I am delighted to have them as part of our team.”