Rev. Michael Frese

About

The Rev. Michael N. Frese serves as deputy director of Church Relations for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), where he assists the president of the Synod in working toward, fostering and/or maintaining church fellowship or association with over 100 Lutheran and non-Lutheran church bodies across more than 70 countries. In this role, he helps lead international theological dialogues; coordinates official dialogues with sister, associate and other churches; and provides guidance on matters of doctrine, confession and interchurch engagement. Along with the director of Church Relations, on behalf of the president of the Synod, he is the point of contact for the Synod's formal ecumenical interactions, helping ensure that all relationships are grounded in fidelity to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions.

Prior to joining the Office of the President full time in July 2022, Frese served as associate pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, Ind. (2012-2022). His first call was to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Adell, Wis. (2003-2006).

Frese has also served as a military chaplain since 2006. From 2006 to 2012, he was a U.S. Army chaplain, which included overseas assignments in Germany. He currently serves as the Wing Chaplain for the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard (2013-present). During his active-duty service in the U.S. Air Force Europe (USAFE), he was assigned to the command chaplain's staff, where he helped oversee religious support for U.S. and NATO personnel throughout Europe and the Middle East.

Drawing upon his experience in pastoral care and military chaplaincy, Frese also served as an adjunct professor at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (2016-2020), teaching in the area of pastoral counseling.

Born in Kansas City, Kan., Frese holds a B.A. in behavioral science from Concordia University, Nebraska, Seward, Neb., and both an M.Div. and S.T.M. from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. He and his wife, Janet, currently reside in Fort Wayne, Ind., and have three children: Alex (†), Nadia and Gabriel.

Frese brings to his current position a wealth of experience in interchurch relations, international ecclesial partnerships and confessional theological education. He is committed to advancing the LCMS Church Relations priorities: unity in Christ, unity in confession, unity in worship and unity in church work — all for the sake of the faithful proclamation of the Gospel and the right administration of the Sacraments worldwide.