Reaching out

The Rev. Mark K. Rogers of the Scriptural Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau hasn't been on the job long as head pastor, but his goal for the church is clear: to get to know the people and to serve them. After a short time, Rogers describes his church as being formed by dedicated Christians who saw their church body departing from the word of God. Rogers hopes to help the church members continue their spiritual journey and reach out to the community.

How long have you been involved with a church? I was a member of Grace Lutheran Church of Akron, Ohio, from childhood until I became a pastor. I have been serving Scriptural Lutheran for one week.

How long have you been a member of your faith? I have been a lifelong Lutheran. I was a member of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod until I was 38. I served as a pastor for five-and-a-half years from 1992 to 1998 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bend, Ore. I joined the evangelical Lutheran Synod in 1998 and served as pastor of Pinehurst Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, Wis., from January 1998 to July 2007.

What drew you to serve in a leadership role? I was led to serve as a pastor through the influence of the pastor of my congregation when I was a boy. We also had a vicar at our church who was a big help to my family when my father died; I was 9 years old at the time. My brother, who is also a pastor, influenced me to study to become a pastor.

What education/background/studies did you go through to become a pastor? After receiving a bachelor's degree in music education from Kent State University, I attended Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind. I took classes there from 1988 to 1990 and then served an internship or vicarage at Trinity and Norwalk Lutheran churches in Onekama, Mich., from 1990 to 1991. Then I completed my last year in seminary and graduated in May 1992 with a master of divinity degree.

How many years have you served as a pastor? 15 years.

When did you become the pastor at Scriptural Evangelical Lutheran Church? I received the call to serve at Scriptural Evangelical Lutheran Church in August. I was installed as pastor Oct. 3.

Where are you from and when/why did you move to the Cape Girardeau/Jackson area? I am originally from Barberton, Ohio. I was born and raised there. For the last three years I have lived in Barberton and was employed by Walmart. I moved here because of receiving the call to serve as pastor of Scriptural Lutheran.

Were you involved with your church before becoming the pastor? No.

What do you think makes this church special? The church was formed by dedicated Christians who saw their church body departing from the word of God. They sought to preserve the truth of God's word for themselves and their children and to reach out with that saving gospel.

What's your favorite verse and why? There are many verses of Scripture that I treasure, but one that comes to mind immediately is the verse my pastor chose for me when I was confirmed, John 15:5. "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same shall bring forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." This verse is special to me because it reminds me that Christ is my life. Without him I would be dead in my sins and unable to do anything for the kingdom of God. He has rescued me from sin and death and joined as a branch to the vine I can bear fruit in his service.

What program have you done with your church that you are proud of and why? I have not been serving long enough to have done any program in particular. My goal is to get to know the people and to serve them with the word of God and with them reach out to our community.

What events or occasions does your church have coming up? The church will be having its annual hay ride at 2 p.m. Oct. 17.

What's your favorite day of the week and why? My favorite day of the week is Sunday because that is when I am able to meet most of the people from my church and to share in God's word and worship together with them.

What's your favorite part of being a pastor? One of my favorite duties as pastor is visiting older members of the congregation. They are the "seasoned saints" who strengthen me often as much as I am able to strengthen them with the gospel.

What hobbies do you have? When I lived in Wisconsin my hobbies included aquarium keeping and taking care of my pet cockatiels, Ernie and Gertie. I also enjoy bike riding and hiking.

What else do you do besides serve as pastor? At this point I am not serving in any other capacity. I did serve on the Board of Stewardship for the evangelical Lutheran Synod from 2004 to 2007.

Do you have a prayer, psalm or verse you would like to give our readers for the day? One of my favorite hymns is "My Hope is Built on Nothing Less," which is based on Jesus' closing words in the sermon on the mount, Matthew 5: 24-27. It reminds us that Christ is the one solid foundation for life. No other foundation can see us through the ultimate trial, death itself. The first verse of the hymn says, "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not thrust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand."