Zion Lutheran Staff

Our leadership team recognizes the authority of God, and realizes that we are shepherds who serve under the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. We desire to devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word. Our passion and goal is to equip the believers for the work of the ministry until we all attain maturity in the fullness of Christ.
 

 

Rev. Clyde Kieschnick, Pastor

 

Pastor K was born and raised in Lee County, near Lincoln, TX.  He is a graduate of St. John’s Academy, Winfield, KS, and a graduate of St. John’s Jr. College, also of Winfield, in 1972.  It was there he met his wife Ellen and they were married in 1973.  Pastor K graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 1976 and attended Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 1978-80 and 1988-89.  After completing a vicarage at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner, IA, he was ordained and installed as the first assistant pastor in 1990.  In October of 1996 he accepted the call to serve as the senior pastor in Garner and served that call until March of 2002 when he accepted the call to serve at Zion Lutheran Church in Abilene, Texas.

Pastor K is a “second career” pastor whose other occupations included working as a dairy farmer, being employed with the US Postal Office, and as a representative for Aid Association for Lutherans. In his free time, PK enjoys gardening, golfing, fishing, hunting and brewing wine and beer. He and Ellen have 3 grown children and 6 grandchildren.

To contact Pastor K, call 325-690-0121 (W), call 325-864-1036 (C), or email.

 
 
Bradley Bartz, Director of Christian Education
 
Brad grew up in North Dakota, in a little town just outside Fargo. He has been actively involved in youth programs and work since he was himself a youth at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in south Fargo, ND. After graduating from high school, he attended college at Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota. He graduated with a degree in Christian Ministries and a Director of Christian Education certification from the Synod in 2013. His first congregation was Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND and he served there for 3 years. In October 2016, he accepted the call to Zion Lutheran Church in Abilene, Texas. He was installed on December 1st, 2016.
 
Brad is in charge of the youth ministry at Zion, as well as assisting in many other areas such as Sunday school, confirmation, VBS, praise team, and the occasional technology job. Outside of working at the church, he enjoys reading a good book, photography,  playing all kinds of games, listening to and performing music, and a good LEGO set.
 
To contact Brad, call/text 325-260-1255 (C), or email.
 
 

Josh Rucker, Young Adult Ministries & Worship

Josh has been involved with music and ministry his entire life. He learned to play the piano at the age of 10 and has been adding instruments to his repertoire ever since. His background in the Church of Christ and several choirs also gave him a passion for singing. In 2006, he joined Zion Lutheran Church and became a confirmed Lutheran so that he could better use both his instrumental and vocal talents to serve.

Josh has 3 children: Jacob, Eliana, and Simon. He enjoys performing live, recording music, gaming and learning/reading more about science and the world.
 
To contact Josh call/text 214-864-4872 (C), or email.
 

Suzanne Rhodes, Church Secretary

As Administrative Assistant Suzanne assists the Pastor and DCE, and various boards.  She compiles all of the church service bulletins, announcement page, calendars, schedules, and the quarterly newsletter and any other publications for Zion. She also handles the scheduling of events and the rental of the church facilities, and assists the accountant in paying of the bills.

Suzanne is married to Gary Rhodes, they have 3 grown children and five precious grandchildren. Suzanne has worked at Zion Lutheran since August 1999.  Gary is an independent insurance agent and owns Rhodes Insurance Agency. He is also an ordained Deacon at Holy Family Catholic Church where they both attend.  Suzanne’s greatest passions are her faith and her family.

To contact Suzanne please call (325) 690-0121 or by email.