The Mid-South District - LCMS

A Tribute to Rev. Gilbert H. Pingel and His 60 Years of Ministry!

At a special “60 Years in Ministry” celebration on June 20 in Chattanooga, Rev. Gil Pingel was presented a certificate on behalf of the Mid-South District by President Rev. Dr. Roger Paavola.
Many who have been touched by the ministry of Pastor Pingel were in attendance for his special “60 Years in Ministry” celebration. Pictured are (L to R) Rev. James Watson, Chattanooga-area pastor emeritus; Beverly Jacks and husband, Rev. Joseph Jacks of St. Philip Lutheran in Chattanooga; Rev. Gil Pingel and his wife, Linda; Mid-South District President, Rev. Dr. Roger Paavola and his wife, Pat; and Rev. Donald Welmer, Sr. Pastor of First Lutheran in Chattanooga.

Greetings in the name of Christ to the Mid-South District.

My father, the late Rev. Michael F. Welmer, wanted to be a professional baseball player when he was playing ball in high school. The Red Sox were scouting him as a catcher. Unfortunately, he slid into second base during an intense game and busted up his knee during an important game that determined his future. Thankfully, at Trinity Lutheran in Indianapolis, there was a vicar by the name of Gil Pingel. He told my father, “You know Mike, maybe baseball isn’t in your future. Have you thought about church work?”

Last month, Friday June 20th, we at First Lutheran Chattanooga celebrated the ministry of the Rev. Gilbert H. Pingel. A faithful steward of God’s Word, and one who served First Lutheran from 2002 to 2008. My grandparents, Lester and Mary Welmer, supported and cared for Gil and his wonderful wife Linda during his vicarage. My grandparents knew how important the ministry is.

Pastor Pingel has cared for those who seek Christ on Sunday, comforted those who were distraught, preached Christ and Him-Crucified. He knows how to care for God’s beloved.

He has also walked the halls of the Pentagon and stood with soldiers as a faithful chaplain of the LCMS and delivered the Sacrament to them. Most importantly, he continues to encourage men to serve in the ministry. He encourages all those who are considering church work to look at how God has set them apart to serve.

The Rev. Gilbert H. Pingel has seen more than most of us in the ministry as pastors. His wisdom is a treasure. His wife Linda has been his devoted wife in Christ since his vicarage.

I give thanks to Christ for the Rev. Gilbert H. Pingel. He encouraged my father, who eventually encouraged me to serve Christ and his beloved.

Servant of the Lord,
Rev. Donald N. Welmer