Who We Are

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.

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Rev. Joel Biermann is currently serving as the Vacancy Pastor at Village.  A full-time member of the faculty at Concordia Seminary since 2002, he revels in teaching doctrinal theology to Concordia’s students—and to anyone else he can persuade to listen.  He was ordained in 1987 and spent eleven years as a parish pastor serving congregations in Minnesota and Michigan before returning to the seminary for graduate work.  He and his wife, Jeannalee, enjoy spending time pursuing a variety of activities afforded by the city, but most especially they cherish time with their three children and their spouses and their nine grandchildren all who live in the St. Louis area.
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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 who is now asleep in Jesus and awaiting the Resurrection, celebrated 41 years of marriage.  Her family includes three sons, two daughters-in-law and two grandsons. In May 2018 she graduated from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis with a M.A. in Spiritual Care.  Visiting with family and friends, swimming and photographing God's amazing creation are her favorite activities.
Drew Oswald serves as vicar at Village during the 2021-22 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.

Phillip Magness serves as Cantor for Village Lutheran Church. 

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.