A Brief Biography of Rev. Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick
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The Rev. Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick was elected to his third three-year term as president of the 2.45-million-member Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in July 2007, an office in which he has served his Lord and Church since September 2001.  His vision for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is summarized as One Mission – One Message – One People, which he expounds, as follows: “Our One Mission is to seek the lost for Christ by communicating the One Message that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world as One People united by God's love in Jesus Christ.”

Just prior to becoming LCMS president, Kieschnick had been president of the Synod’s Texas District for 10 years.  He also served that district as a circuit counselor from 1978-81 and as director of public relations from 1977-86.  Prior to his Texas District presidency, Kieschnick was director of development of the Lutheran Foundation of Texas from 1986-88 and then served as its executive director from 1988-91.

From 1998 until his election as LCMS president, Kieschnick chaired the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations, and served on the executive committee of the LCMS Council of Presidents.

Born in Houston on January 29, 1943, Kieschnick attended Texas A&M University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1964.  He is a 1970 graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary, Springfield, IL, obtained his Master of Divinity degree in 1977 from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN, and received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 1996 from Concordia University, Austin, TX.

After his ordination in 1970, Kieschnick served as pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Biloxi, MS, until 1973; pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Beaumont, TX, 1973-81; and mission developer and pastor of Faith Lutheran Church, Georgetown, TX, 1981-86.

Dr. Kieschnick and his wife of 41 years, Terry, have two grown children, Andrew Kieschnick and Angela (husband Todd) Keith and two grandchildren, Kolby and Kayla Keith — all of whom live in Texas.