Pastor Profiles: Ken Wagener Works to 'Equip, Enrich, Encourage' at St. Peter Lutheran

A native of St. Louis, MO, Pastor Ken Wagener is now an integral part of the ministry at in Macomb Township.

Celebrating his 25th year as a pastor, Wagener, 50, said he was first drawn to ministry at age 15, shortly after the death of his father. Through the support of his congregation and pastors, Wagener went on to pursue a career in the church, studying at St. Paul's College in Concordia, MO, and the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Wagener is also a husband and father.

In an effort to expand Patch's coverage of the local faith community, Patch reached out to Wagener to talk about his job as pastor, St. Peter's role in the local community and his thoughts on faith at home and abroad.

Macomb Patch: From what sources do you draw inspiration for your work?

Ken Wagener: Naturally, the Bible, but also the great Christian writers and thinkers of the past, and many contemporary leaders and teachers. I’m very positive toward The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Macomb Patch: What do you want to accomplish in Macomb Township?

Wagener: To be a partner with our congregation and school staff and members to “equip, enrich and encourage” individuals and families in our community. I want to help people to understand and embrace God’s calling on their lives and experience the wholeness that comes through Jesus Christ.

Macomb Patch: What do you hope your congregation takes from your leadership?

Wagener: That I model the way, inspire a shared vision, challenge the status quo and usual practices when necessary, enable people to act, and encourage their hearts for their work.

Macomb Patch: What do you believe is the greatest problem or issue affecting our world today?

Wagener: It’s complex and interrelated with other problems, but the “speed of life” and “pace of change” actually conspire to isolate us from one another and make our relationships, work, and recreation more fragmented.

Macomb Patch: How would you finish this sentence, "By the time I retire as a pastor, I hope to have ..."

Wagener: By the time I retire as a pastor, I hope to have been part of a congregation that lives out its purpose and mission and all parts of the body of believers are engaged in fulfilling the Great Commission to make disciples. I’m very close to this where I serve now. 

Macomb Patch: What is the best advice you've ever been given?

Wagener: In essence, “Never stop learning.” My personal mission statement is “equip, enrich, encourage.”

Fast Facts about Pastor Scott:

• Favorite Bible passage is Philippians 3:10-11: “I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead. I want to suffer with Him, sharing in His death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!” (NLT)
• Favorite Film: Amadeus
• Favorite Place to Visit: Boston, MA
• Favorite Band or Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• Favorite Food: Salmon
• Hobbies: Reading and watching football and hockey.