Who We Are

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Village is a collection of sinners who have been made saints, holy and pure, by the working of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God, Holy Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. As we receive Christ’s gifts, we are strengthened in faith toward Him and in love for one another. Though Village is located in Ladue, our members come from all over metropolitan St. Louis and from all walks of life. We invite you to get to know the members of Village. You can begin that process by meeting Village’s staff.


Kevin Golden was installed as Village’s pastor in July 2009. Pastor Golden has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Antiquities and Religious Studies from Missouri State University and a Master of Divinity and PhD degrees from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. Prior to Village, he served as pastor of Grace Lutheran in Holts Summit, Missouri beginning in 2002. Pastor Golden and his wife Joy have been married since 1997. They have been blessed with four daughters and three sons.
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Matthew Harrison was installed as Village’s assistant pastor in January 2011. Pastor Harrison was first elected in July 2010 and as currently serves as president of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. He has served parishes in rural Iowa and inner-city Fort Wayne, Indiana. He has also served as Director of LCMS World Relief and Human Care. He is a prolific author, translator and speaker. Pastor Harrison and his wife, Kathy, have been blessed with two sons and two daughters-in-law. A fuller biography of Pastor Harrison is available here.
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Laura Jostes was installed as Village's Deaconess in May 2019. Deaconess Jostes graduated from Concordia Teachers College with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education in 1974. She taught for several years in Lutheran schools and served as Director of Social Services in a skilled nursing facility before becoming a full time stay-at-home mom. She and her husband, Richard, celebrate 40 years of marriage. They are blessed to have three sons and two daughters-in-law. In May 2018 she graduated from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis with a M.A. in Spiritual Care. Photographing God's beautiful creation and sharing it with others tops her list of spare time activities. 
Michael Stainbrook serves as vicar at Village during the 2020-21 academic year. 

Nicole Tanney serves as the Director of Village Lutheran Preschool after teaching here for over ten years. You can learn more about the preschool by clicking here.

Judy Berger serves as Village’s Director of Music. In addition to serving as organist for Village’s services, she directs Village’s handbell and vocal choirs.

Stephanie Motz serves as Village's Office Manager and Secretary. Organizing, communicating and multi-tasking are her specialties.

Ken Pranschke serves as Village's Bookkeeper. Financial questions may be directed toward him.