At the meeting of the Presbytery of the Midwest on September 13 and 14, Dr. Michael Seufert was examined and accepted for ministry in the OPC, and our call to him was approved, clearing the way for him to serve as our next Minister of the Gospel.
Dr. Seufert and his wife, Samantha, have been married for over eight years and have a young daughter – and another child on the way, due in October. Michael and Samantha grew up outside Chicago. After college, Dr. Seufert joined the U.S. Peace Corps and spent three years living in central Ukraine. It was this time and his experiences in the Ukraine that ultimately encouraged him to enter into the ministry. After completing his time with the Peace Corps, he joined his brother at Westminster Seminary California, and through study and ministry in the local church, God continued to confirm the desire to devote himself fully to the shepherding of His people.
He later was encouraged to pursue his PhD at The Catholic University of America in a masters program that focused on Semitic Languages and Literatures, which would lead him to his recently completed program, a PhD in Biblical Studies (Old Testament). Upon relocating to Washington D.C., he and his wife joined Wallace Presbyterian Church, and he was providentially provided several opportunities to teach and serve the church that ultimately led to a call serving that congregation as pastoral intern and Assistant Pastor. Serving in this capacity also allowed him to complete his PhD studies.
Dr. Seufert describes his leadership style as striving “…to be a servant-leader, a faithful servant of Christ and steward of the mysteries of God, first in the home and then in the church. I desire to be easily approached, quick to listen and consider others, quick to repent, and quick to forgive… It also means being quick to recognize and encourage where God is at work in other individuals and the corporate body, desiring to build up and confirm the Spirit’s sanctifying work.” In Dr. Seufert, Mission has called a pastor who is faithful to God’s word, loves the body of Christ, and wants others to see the truth and beauty of Christ and His gospel.
An installation service will be held on December 6, 2019. This will also mark the end of Rev. David King’s service as our interim pastor.