Remembering A Dear Friend

Rev. Norman L. Groteluschen was called to his heavenly home on July 23, 2021. A dear friend and faithful servant, “Pastor G,” as he was known to many, was a driving force in shaping the mission-minded character and heart of the Mid-South District.

Rev. Groteluschen was part of the district’s first leadership team when the former Western District voted to divide into two districts in 1966, forming the Mid-South District and the Missouri District. A seasoned pastor and church planter with 26 years of experience leading various congregations, his initial role was that of the Mid-South District’s Second Vice President. By the mid-1970s, he had been selected to serve as the District’s Mission Executive.

His passion for the mission of the church made him well-suited for the Mission Executive role, which, in turn, prepared him for his next position: District President. Rev. Groteluschen was elected the second President of the Mid-South District in 1985. During his two terms as President, the mission mindset was emphasized and nurtured. A “Church Planter’s Manual” was developed and new ministry growth accelerated rapidly. By the time of his retirement from the District President role in 1991, the Mid-South District was home to 110 congregations, after starting just 25 years earlier with 77 congregations. Following his retirement from the presidency, Rev. Groteluschen continued to share his leadership expertise and passion for ministry growth for the next several years as the District’s part-time Mission Executive. Even after his complete retirement in 1994, “Pastor G” remained a faithful friend and servant of the Mid-South District, frequently sharing encouragement, advice, and wisdom with those who would lead after him.