Prof. James Westendorf celebrates 40 years of ministry

On September 9, we celebrated Prof. James Westendorf’s 40th anniversary in the ministry with a service in the seminary chapel. All eight of the Westendorf children were able to attend, with son Tim preaching the sermon.

Born on May 20, 1941, to Pastor Wynfred Westendorf and his wife Esther nee Schaewe, James John Westendorf was received as a child of God at St. Paul Lutheran Church in South Haven, Michigan. After attending public school through eighth grade and being confirmed in the Lutheran faith, Westendorf continued his studies at Michigan Lutheran Seminary. Upon his graduation in 1959, he attended Northwestern College and then Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary where he graduated in 1967 and was assigned to Hope Lutheran Church of St. Charles, Michigan. On August 6, 1972, Westendorf was married to Jean K. Schroeder, daughter of Prof. Erwin and Selma Schroeder. In 1975, he accepted a call to serve the members of Christ the Lord Lutheran Church of Brookfield, Wisconsin, where he was a faithful shepherd until 1982 when he answered the divine call to serve as professor of Old Testament studies and homiletics.

Since 1982, over 1,000 students have completed their seminary studies during Westendorf’s tenure. God has truly blessed him with great gifts and he has been a mighty blessing to others through the years. May the Lord continue to bless his work among us!

Audio of Service Available