Rev. Dave Hormann – Mission and Ministry Executive for the Mid-South District of the LCMS
Grace and Peace to you, in Christ Jesus! I am David Hormann. I come to serve here as a man with a past – past experiences, joys, hurts and life. Some answers were learned; definitely a lot of questions still unanswered. My past began in Millington Tennessee; the place of my birth and my earliest memories. Life continued with a sojourn to Minnesota when I was still a youngster. Life there did include bitter winters, but also a time of learning from great women and men of God at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Waconia and Lutheran High School in Mayer. My experiences and times in the blessings of our Lutheran schools formed me be a δοῦλος Χριστοῦ – servant of Christ . For that I am eternally grateful.
During that time, precisely the fourth grade, I met my future bride, Cindy. Our first date was in our junior year of high school. We were married in 1984. God blessed us with two incredible sons. We all worked in the family excavating business; yep I was a grave digger and septic installer. And life was great. Forty acres, chubby children, respect in the church and community, seats on various boards and great responsibilities were our life. Then there was a new pull, a pull that moved us all to Saint Louis for seminary. Our eldest son was not pleased. Maybe some of you can relate.
I actually enjoyed the time in Sem. It was a new time of forming – new learnings, renewed passions – and a love for Lutheran schools and Lutheran worship. I was part of the mission formation track. We expected to be sent to a someplace warm, someplace south of the frozen North. We didn’t get what we expected. Instead, I was certified, called and sent to plant a church in the land of a million Lutherans, back to Minnesota. I thought to myself, “Doesn’t our God have a great sense of humor?” The church plant took root, but I was only called to plant. Struggles came when I tried to be the one who watered too. Perhaps you can relate to difficult times in your call.
In 2008, I accepted a new call – one that I was warned would be a “great challenge,” (aren’t they all?). The call was to help Our Redeemer in Cloquet, way northern Minnesota, to remember their calling, to find their purpose as church, and seek God’s guidance. We call that process “Revitalization.” By God’s grace, and the love of His people, Our Redeemer made, and is continuing to make disciples by showing His love to their neighbors. I thought this would be our ministry and home for years to come. Then God smiled at my assumption and sent me someplace warm. Thanks Lord for teaching me humility and yes, for the warmth of the Mid-south.
So here I am. Bartlett, Tennessee is our new home. Our future together is at hand even as we remember the past that brought us here. I am still being formed by our God. I have much to learn. You have much to teach; for you also have a past. I know that in Christ, together we’re better. I pray that our shared work will bring Him glory and see His Kingdom expand.
Rev. Dave Hormann
Mission and Ministry Executive for the Mid-South District of the LCMS
