Pastor John and Judy Thieme with Rhodesian Ridgeback, Sandy
History with COS
I came to pastor Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in 1999. In the time since we (the people of Christ Our Savior, Judy and I) have been through great highs and stunning lows. We’ve come through our various troubles with a greater trust in God and in each other. We are enjoying a current period of peace and fruitfulness.
Education & Employment
I’ve completed both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Divinity, but my real theological education began with watching my parents live out their faith. My Mom read me Bible Stories and taught me to pray. I watched my Dad use his faith to guide him as a father and businessman.
Family
Judy and I have been married since 1983. Some of our training partners starting calling us “TeamThieme” when we were racing ultramarathons back in the 1990s. It’s a moniker that fits our partnership. We not only support each other, we are far more interested in shared endeavors than individual accomplishments.
Favorite Scripture
In the eighth grade I chose Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.” as my verse when I made my profession of faith in my confirmation. It’s stuck with ever since.
Personal Testimony
I am the product of a loving Christian, church-going family. After 8 years of parochial education I was confronted with the classic evangelism question, “If you were to die tonight and Jesus asked you ‘Why should I let you into heaven?’ what would you tell Him?” I realized that while I could argue about the veracity of the Bible and defend the Real Presence of Jesus in the Lord’s supper, I was clueless about salvation by grace. Since that fateful day I have worked to make sure that my faith was not only an intellectual assent to God’s truth, but also a living relationship with Him as my Savior and Lord.