Meet Pastor Mark Homp
of Christ Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls, WI
mhompster@yahoo.com

OK, who is this guy who serves as the Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church and School? That question would likely be answered in a different way by every person you would ask. It might be easier for anyone else to answer that question than for me, but I’ll give it a shot—and I’ll try to keep it brief. Words or phrases that others might use would probably be. . . .outdoors guy, competitive, . . .stuff like that. One phrase that I hope to qualify for is this: “Useful in God’s hands.” I am amazed and thankful that our great God finds use for broken and flawed people. I am encouraged to read just how “human” all of personalities of God’s Holy Word are—even the “heroes” of faith that Hebrews talks about. There is hope for us all! I believe that God began shaping me for His use a long time ago. My father was a pastor—my earthly hero—but one who was shaped in a unique way in his own right. Dad, during his seminary years, contracted polio and the result left him with a muscle-pillaged body that never topped out at more than 85 pounds during my lifetime. He did manage to complete his seminary studies and, with the help of my mother, was able to serve congregations with a special understanding of what it meant to suffer trials in this life. Mom, a nurse, always worked full-time while raising 4 boys and taking care of Dad. As my brothers and I grew up, on any given day, one of us was always “on duty” to go with Dad and help with minor things like putting on a jacket, opening a door, etc. As a result, we got to see some profound ministry taking place while being “the mouse in the corner.” I know now that some of the things that I saw and heard as a kid with Dad were pretty powerful in shaping me and my understanding of the life-giving nature of God’s Word. In short, Dad’s polio was no “accident” for him or for me. God meant it for good. My seminary training at what I believe is the world’s foremost seminary at Concordia—St. Louis further cemented my presupposition that God’s Word is trustworthy and true. The Word of God truly is a powerful, life-changing, relevant tool containing all that we need to know and more for this life and the next. It is absolutely critical for every person on this earth to know that in Jesus Christ, Who is God-in-the-flesh, we have a Savior from sin and the promise of the life to come. Well, you are getting me started. . . . I said this would be short, so. . .who is this Pastor Mark? He is an average guy in the hands of a great God, who wants to be useful in His hands. Let’s talk sometime. In His Service, Pastor Mark Homp