As many of you know, LFL’s present executive director, Dr. James Lamb, will be retiring at the end of this year. Over a year ago, the LFL board of directors formed a search committee which did a comprehensive job describing the director’s position and ascertaining the type of person needed to fill the role. They held extensive phone interviews with applicants, narrowed it down to three candidates, and conducted face-to-face interviews. At the February national board of directors meeting, a new director was nominated. A call was subsequently issued, and it is our joy to share that the call has been accepted.
The new executive director will be Rev. Michael Salemink (SAUL-uh-mink), presently pastor of St. James Lutheran Church in Lafayette, Indiana. He is married to Heather and they have three children: Christian, 11; Nathan, 8; and Luke, 6. Because of his family and the wisdom of relocating before a new school year begins, Rev. Salemink may come on board as early as September. We find this to be a positive choice, as Dr. Lamb and other staff will have ample time to help him make the transition from parish pastor to executive director.
The question also remains as to where he will relocate. Since our national director, Scott Licht, runs all of the day-to-day operations of the ministry from the Nevada, Iowa, office, it is not as critical for the executive director to be there. The executive director is now more the “face” of LFL who writes, speaks, and preaches. At this point, it appears Pastor Salemink and his family will be relocating to St. Louis. This provides a centralized location, easy airport access, and a number of school choices for their children. Please keep Pastor Salemink and his family in your prayers. Much change is ahead for them!