Galchutt and Frese installed in St. Louis

The Rev. Dr. R. Lee Hagan (left), president of the LCMS Missouri District, installs the Rev. Dan Galchutt as executive director of the LCMS Office of National Mission during a Service of Installation at the LCMS International Center in St. Louis on April 13. (LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford)

On April 13 and 14, during daily chapel at The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) International Center (IC) in St. Louis, the Rev. Daniel M. Galchutt and the Rev. Michael N. Frese were installed, respectively, as executive director of the LCMS Office of National Mission (ONM) and deputy director of LCMS Church Relations—Office of the President.

Galcutt comes to the IC from the LCMS Kansas District, where he served for six years as assistant to the district president, focusing on mission and stewardship. Before joining the staff of the Kansas District, he served for seven years at Calvary Lutheran Church in Topeka, Kan., and for five years at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Haven, Kan. During his years as a parish pastor, Galchutt served as a vicarage supervisor and worked with a Lutheran grade school and two preschools.

Galchutt received his Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Concordia University, St. Paul, St. Paul, Minn., and his Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He played basketball for both institutions. He says that one of the highlights of his college years was spending a semester in London and, while there, meeting his wife, Melissa. The Galchutts have been married for 21 years and have five children: Alison, Benjamin, Isaac, Andrew and Grace. They enjoy hiking, going on family vacations and doing puzzles together.

Following Galcutt’s installation, LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison noted the broad scope of the ONM: “National Mission has a boatload of responsibilities. … We know that the Lord has given us you at this moment, and we are really happy.”

In his remarks, Galchutt referred to the day’s Scripture reading from John 20 about Jesus’ appearance to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection. “I’m looking forward to getting to know you all more,” he said, “and to working with you as we advance in National Mission and share the Word that was given to Mary and to the disciples, which is ours because of Jesus Christ.”

The Rev. Dr. Jamison J. Hardy (left), president of the LCMS English District, installs the Rev. Michael Frese as deputy director of LCMS Church Relations during a Service of Installation at the LCMS International Center in St. Louis on April 14. (LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford)

Frese has been serving at the IC since July 2022. He previously served as the associate pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Ind. He has also served as a military chaplain since 2006 — first as a U.S. Army chaplain (active duty, 2006–2012), and then as the wing chaplain at the 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne (U.S. Air National Guard, 2013–present).

Frese earned a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science from Concordia University, Nebraska, Seward, Neb., and a Master of Divinity and Master of Sacred Theology from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. He has extensive experience working with denominations and churches worldwide. He served on the staff of the command chaplain of U.S. Air Force Europe (USAFE) and was instrumental in providing religious support for all U.S. and NATO airmen in the European theater. He regularly collaborated with U.S. and foreign chaplains from across Europe and southwestern Asia. As the chaplain staff officer and religious planner for the four-star commanding general of USAFE, he oversaw contingency planning and exercises throughout the European theater.

Frese and his wife, Janet, have three children: +Alex+, Nadia and Gabriel.

After his installation, Frese said, “It is an honor … to serve the church in this way. … The duties that we’ve already been doing have … been so rewarding to me personally. … I’m humbled to be part of a great team. Thank you to all of you … for welcoming us.”

Posted May 4, 2023