Mission

Our synod’s vision is to be a network of growing, Christ-centered, outwardly-focused congregations passing the faith to the next generation. As part of this vision, we are committed to investing in new, pioneering, and reproducing missions, congregations, and spiritual communities. We do this work by starting new churches and revitalizing existing ministries through redevelopment.

You can support our new missions and redevelopments by becoming a mission companion and by giving a financial gift.

Here is a current list of existing synodically authorized worshiping communities (SAWCs), missions and renewals supported by the Gulf Coast Synod. For more information on a particular ministry click on the appropriate link below:

Augustana – Houston, TX

Bethlehem – New Orleans, LA

Celebration – Cypress, TX

Iglesia San José Obrero – Houston, TX

Kindred – Houston, TX

Kinsmen Latinx Outreach – Houston, TX

Lake Livingston – Onalaska, TX

Living Mosaic – Houston, TX

Ruach Life Center

Sagrado Corazon – Pasadena, TX

Saint Francis of the City – Houston, TX

St. James/Santiago Apóstol – Houston, TX

Umoja Church – Houston, TX

“

As it is, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you.”

~ 1 Corinthians 12:20-22a

“

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Contact Pastor Ele Clay:

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While working for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Dorie served as a crisis counselor, developing curriculum and teaching peer and crisis support training for federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies. In 2016, Dorie left government work to expand her reach through her training company, Crisis Support Solutions, LLC. During the last seven years, Dorie has developed and delivered training that teaches personnel how to provide care and offer hope to peers overwhelmed by crisis and struggling with stress.

Dorie has Masters in Divinity from McAfee School of Theology (MDiv) at Mercer University and a Masters in Social Work (MSW) from Savannah State University, Savannah, GA in 2005. After entering the candidacy process for Word and Service, Dorie completed a Certificate of Advanced Theological Study (CATS) at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) in Berkeley, CA. A candidate for the diaconate, Dorie serving her internship at St. Francis of the City in Houston.

She is currently working with Louisiana leaders to deal with the salt water crisis in New Orleans. Having avoided hurricanes so far this season, she and the Disaster Team are working on disaster mitigation and preparation.

If you need to contact Dorie, she can be reached at dorie@gulfcoastsynod.org.

Chris is passionate about networking and identifying new ways to support individuals and congregations as they grow a deeper, bolder, more consequential faith. Chris maintains the LEAD website, supports LEAD's signature coaching, and collaborates on the 10 Minute Toolbox.

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Peggy Hahn serves as the Executive Director for LEAD, aligning passionate leaders, resources, and practices to grow Christian leaders who grow faith communities in our world. Peggy is a frequent speaker and author who is never without a pile of books to read and seeks coaches and mentors for herself in an ongoing quest to learn and grow. Peggy is committed to listening to pastors and leaders of all ages for insight into the ways they are growing in their own faith and what LEAD can do to support them in their development as leaders.

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John Roalson began his work in the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod in May of 2023 as the gift planner with Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest.

John received his undergraduate degree from Texas Lutheran University. Prior to coming to the foundation, John worked in the financial services industry for 20 years. He resides in Katy with his wife, Paula and has two daughters, Hannah & Abigail – all of whom also graduated from Texas Lutheran. John is a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Houston.

John is available to meet with individuals and couples to help them plan legacy gifts that will bless family and loved ones, the ministries of our church, and other non-profit organizations that are important to them. He also works with congregations to assist them in being prepared to receive, celebrate, and steward legacy gifts from members and friends of the congregation. Low-cost, professionally managed investment options for congregations and other ministries are available through Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest and the ELCA Foundation.

I have been an office administrator for 15+ years, with a great amount of time in the health industry. I love making organizations organized and running smoothly.

I have lived in Texas most of my life. My husband Ernie and I have 3 grown daughters and 2 grandchildren. Outside of work I love to work on our small farm, crochet, cook and spend time with family and friends.

Contact Beth Morris:

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Pastor Escalera and his wife Magda come to us from the New Jersey Synod. He has a bachelor's degree in finance and a master's degree in theology from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He is a trained mission developer who has served congregations in Puerto Rico and New Jersey. In his current call, he is re-developing Temple Lutheran Church, while launching a new Latino ministry, Misión Luterana Reconciliación. He is the police, fire, and EMS chaplain in the town where he serves.

Contact José Luís Escalera:

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Prior to serving on Synod Staff, Tracey Breashears Schultz served Zion Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas. Prior to that, she served at MacArthur Park Lutheran Church in San Antonio. A graduate of The University of Arkansas, Tracey received her Masters of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary, and her Doctor of Ministry from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.

Before her journey toward ordained ministry, Tracey was a Spanish teacher and a trainer for a medical software company.

Contact The Rev. Tracey Breashears Schultz:

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Serving as bishop of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America since 2007 is an honor, a challenge, and a joy. It has given me the opportunity to work with many gifted pastors and committed people of faith. We’re creating communities that make disciples who serve the world in Jesus’ name.

For information updated weekly (sometimes daily) on news, events, ideas, books, schedules, and so on, visit my blog.

Evangelism is one of my passions, and our synod’s highest priority. Evangelism is making fully devoted followers of Christ, who taught love of God and neighbor as the greatest commandments. Every congregation is a mission, and every pastor is a missionary.

Together we plant new congregations, send missionaries, prepare rostered leaders, support companion synods, camps, campus ministries, and more. Our vision is to be a network of growing, Christ-centered, outwardly-focused congregations passing the faith to the next generation.

Biographical Information

Born: August 2, 1961, Columbus, Ohio

Wife: Susan

Children: John and Yuliana

Parents: Warren and Patricia Rinehart

Undergraduate studies: Bachelor of Music in organ performance from Valparaiso University, a Lutheran university in northern Indiana, 1983

Seminary: Masters of Divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio, 1988.

Calls:

St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport, Iowa (1988-1994)
Christ Lutheran Church, Charlotte, North Carolina (1994-1997)
Grace Lutheran Church, Conroe, Texas (1997-2007)
Bishop, Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod (2007-present)

Currently Serving:

Texas Lutheran University Corporation Board
Houston Coalition for Immigration Reform
Board of the Houston Coalition for Mutual Respect

Contact Bishop Michael Rinehart:

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