Reverend Nathan Schuetze Installed at First and Emmanuel Lutheran Churches

Nathaniel Aaron Schuetze was born in December 1975, the younger of two sons of Gary and Gail Schuetze. Nathan and his brother Jacob were raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. Nathan remembers his father’s quiet, strong presence and patience when he taught Nathan to tie his shoes. His mother taught him to value honesty. "Both taught me the love of God and the power of forgiveness," he says.

In 1980, the family moved to Longmont, Colorado, where Nathan attended Centennial Elementary, Long’s Peak Junior High and Niwot High School. His early understanding of God was as "an abstract loving Father" that he learned about in Sunday School. Says Schuetze,"Eventually, through the love and training of a Christian home and solid Church, I grew in understanding, and in my faith."

A son of the Christ Our Savior congregation, Nathan received instruction in the faith and was confirmed by The Rev. Paul Graff. In Confirmation class, Nathan recalls Pastor Graff saying that some students might become pastors one day. "We all laughed and figured he was talking about Brett Vito. He was the only one who actually did his homework," commented Schuetze. Brett is now a sports writer, but a seed had been planted in Nathan’s heart.

In high school, Nathan attended Lutheran College Night in Denver. "On a lark, I told recruiters I might be interested in pre-seminary programs. Knowing the shortage of pastors, I figured it was the surest way to get a response…" Little did he know, the response occurred in his heart. "The more I thought about it, I realized what a wonderful job it would be, to tell people how much God loves them, and for the sake of Christ, to partner with them in sharing that message." He phoned Pastor Graff, "sheepishly asking how one becomes a pastor in the Lutheran Church. Here I am today," he said.

An eloquent orator, Nathan attended Colorado State University, competing in Intercollegiate Speech and Debate. During competitions, Nathan’s gift with words captured the heart of fellow orator Cheryl Ann Davidson. Graduating in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication, he left college with the woman who would share his life. Nathan and Cheryl married in January 1999. Cheryl graduated from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, and worked in litigation for the Missouri Attorney General’s office before coming to Birmingham.

Nathan entered Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, served a vicarage at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sedalia, Missouri and earned a Master of Divinity in 2004. While at St. Paul, The Rev. Kenneth Tatkenhorst guided him through the program, "showing a caring heart and a calm presence, encouraging his flock, helping them to grow." The members were "loving, wise and kind from day one."

Nathan’s sense of humor is legendary. Asked about his walk with Jesus, he replied, "The older I get, the more I believe the bumper sticker that says, ‘If you want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans.’ " Nathan feels a kinship with King David, "because David stayed faithful and had a heart for God through it all. God loved him, even when David screwed things up."

Pastor-Elect Schuetze believes Christians are constant living witnesses, good or bad, to their faith. His role will be as a leader and encourager. He is looking forward to his installation as pastor of these churches. First Lutheran is located at 2507 Highland Avenue in Southside. Emmanuel Lutheran, founded by First Lutheran in 2001 as a mission congregation, is located just off of Highway 119 in Shelby County. It is a steadily growing and thriving congregation.

"Ministry is not something pastors do with the help of people, but rather something all Christians do in their lives." Pastor Nathan cannot wait to be used as a messenger to "share the Good News of Jesus" with others.