From the Pulpit: The Rev. Paul J. Short

The Rev. Paul J. Short took a break from church during college and a stint in the U.S. Air Force but returned to the Lutheran Church and eventual heard the call to become a pastor. He received his bachelor's in psychology in 1970 from the University of Houston and a master's of divinity in 1974 from Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, Ill., and has been a pastor for 35 years. He became the pastor at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau in September 1996.

What do people normally call you? Pastor Short, Paul, "Rev"

Were you always a member of the Lutheran faith? I started at age 5 with a 5-year-old friend, quit going to church altogether while in college and U.S. Air Force, resumed back into the Lutheran Church and have been with it ever since.

What drew you to serve the church in a leadership role? I felt divinely "led and called" into the ministry itself. St. Andrew offered me the position by rite of the "call process" in our church body.

Where are you from and when did you move to Cape Girardeau? I am originally from Katy, Texas. Our family moved here from British Columbia, Canada, in August of 1996, to become pastor of St. Andrew.

What do you think makes this church special? Our dynamic staff, willing and gifted lay leaders, and our wonderful, generous members who are open and responsive to God's word and living out their God-given purposes.

What's your favorite verse and why? Romans 8:28: "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." I have found this verse so profoundly true in my own life, as well in so many others.

What program have you done with St. Andrew that you are proud of and why? Helping lead us to be a "Christ-centered, Purpose Driven church," incorporating aggressive ministries of Celebrate Recovery and working with foreign missions in establishing a Literacy Training District in India along with our ongoing project of "serving the saints" in Haiti by funding the building of a fishing village and homes.

What events or occasions does your church have coming up? We will be one of the host churches of Men's Fraternity beginning Oct. 6. We are hosting the Focus on the Family Simulcast -- "Focus on Parenting" on Nov. 14 and we begin "40 Days of Love" sermon series and ministry Oct. 4.

What's your favorite day of the week and why? I really love every day. Sunday as the Lord's day of worship, and all the others for all the special things I am blessed to do.

What's your favorite part of being a pastor? Preaching and having the opportunity to talk one-on-one about everyday life and what Jesus has to do with it.

What hobbies do you have? Bicycling, running, designing and making ballpoint pens and pencils and traveling with my wife.

What else do you do besides serve as pastor? Play with our grandchildren whenever and as much as possible. I help with the leadership of Stephen Ministry at the Missouri Veterans Home, and I am an indoor cycling instructor at both fitness centers.

Do you have a prayer, psalm or verse you would like to give our readers for the day?

Psalm 46: God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble!

God's voice thunders, and the earth melts! The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Come, see the glorious works of the LORD: See how he brings destruction upon the world. He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. "Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world."

The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.