ABOUT
Get to Know Us
Our community
At St. Michael Lutheran Church, our faith is guided by God’s Word, reflected in our values and present in our community. We are a member of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.
Biblically Based
We believe the Bible is inspired by God and stands at the center of everything we do. It guides us in who we are and who we strive to be.
Discipleship Directed
Investing in relationships is key to our approach. We focus on becoming more like Jesus, belonging to His church, and blessing His world.
Faith-Family Focused
As followers of Jesus, we grow together as brothers and sisters, nurturing a sense of community and belonging among our congregation.
God Glorfying
With grace from God, we strive to encourage and celebrate actions and outcomes that honor Him.
Mission Minded
Every day, we live out God’s mission in our local community, across the nation, and around the world, sharing His love and message.
God Glorfying
With grace from God, we strive to encourage and celebrate actions and outcomes that honor Him.
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Our Team
Rev. Dr. Dennis Goff was called to be senior pastor of St. Michael in September 2022.
He is a graduate of Concordia College, Ann Arbor MI, and also Concordia Seminary, St.
Louis MO where he received his MDiv and DMin degrees.
He is a graduate of Concordia College, Ann Arbor MI, and also Concordia Seminary, St.
Louis MO where he received his MDiv and DMin degrees.
Dennis’ first pastoral call was to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hammond LA, followed by a
call to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Lakeland FL, and then Family of Christ Lutheran
Church, Ham Lake MN. He then accepted a call to Lutheran Church Extension Fund
(LCEF) serving as Vice President of Agency Services for the Capital Funding Services
of LCEF before accepting the position as Director of Ministry Programs for The Lutheran
Foundation here in Fort Wayne.
Dennis is married to his wife Laura (nee Bok). Laura works for Marriott Vacations
Worldwide as Vice President of Global HR Services. They have two sons, Thad and
Theo. Thad lives in Fort Wayne and works for Worship Anew and Summit City Sports.
Theo is a pilot for Delta Airlines and is married to Elizabeth. Theo and Elizabeth live in
Kennesaw, GA along with Dennis and Laura’s three grandchildren – Amelia, Laurel, and
Harrison.
Shawn is the son of a retired Air Force Chaplin. Shawn and his wife Anna met at Camp Lutherhaven in Albion, Indiana, and were later engaged to be married there. They currently have three children named Adelaide, Elsie, and Daniel. Shawn enjoys being outdoors, cheering for the Seattle Sounders, and local sports teams.
Tina was born in Paulding, Ohio, and grew up in Paulding and New Haven. She is married to Randy and they have one daughter. Tina graduated with an Associate Degree in Business from Indian River Community College. She enjoys being outdoors, going to the beach, climbing mountains, water and snow skiing, reading and helping others.
Jenny Reith blesses St. Michael with her extensive experience in human resources, project management, and facility management. She has a BA degree from Indiana University, South Bend and has certification credentials from the Society of Human Resources. Jenny and her husband, Greg, have been married for 18 years and enjoy playing tennis, planning and hosting events and parties, and spending time with their 20 nieces and nephews.
St. Michael is pleased to welcome Rhonda Scott to the team! She joins us with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and 40 years of experience, 15 years of that in not-for-profit fund accounting. Rhonda has been married to her husband Tim for 38 years and has two sons, Eric and Mitchell, and a dog and three cats! In her spare time, she enjoys cruises, traveling to Texas and Georgia to visit her sons, gardening and “glamping!”
Stephanie was born in Natchez, Mississippi, but spent most of her time growing up in Lafayette, Indiana. Go Boilers! While working as a counselor at Camp Lutherhaven she met her husband Tim, and they have four children. Stephanie graduated from Concordia University Chicago and earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Indiana Wesleyan. Along with all types of music, she enjoys gardening, lake activities, and spending time with family.
Karen Manges was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and grew up in Indianapolis. She has a Bachelor of Music Degree from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, where she met her husband, Steve. They have three sons and seven grandchildren. She also enjoys giving piano lessons and playing the flute.
Emma grew up in St. Charles, MO. She then went to Concordia University Nebraska where she double majored in DCE and Elementary Education. She was then sent to St. Michael for her DCE Internship and then accepted the call to continue to serve. Emma enjoys spending time with her dog, Riley, going on hikes, playing Frisbee golf, and spending time with family and friends.
Missy Rush is very excited to join the St. Michael team! Missy grew up in Columbus, Indiana where she attended St. Peter’s Lutheran School until 8th grade. It was there that she felt the Call to become a Lutheran school teacher and continued on to attend Concordia University Chicago, earning her degree in Lutheran Elementary Education. While at Concordia Chicago, she met her husband, Kevin, and they married in 2012. Missy taught 6th grade here at Emmanuel- St. Michael Lutheran School from 2012-2019. For the past few years, she has stayed home with her 3 daughters (Raelynn 6, Cameran 4, Adrienne 2) living the minivan life! She is excited to step back into ministry again and continue to build the Family Life program here at St. Michael. Missy enjoys spending time with her family, sewing, crafting, iced coffee and play dates! She can’t wait to meet you and serve our families! To God be ALL THE GLORY!
Peggy is a transplant from Chicago but has called Fort Wayne home for close to 30 years. She was married to her husband, Mark, for 32 years and homeschooled her 5 children, all now grown and flown. Peggy is a sign language interpreter and an adjunct faculty member at Concordia Theological Seminary, teaching in the Deaf Ministry program and will graduate with a MA in Deaconess Studies in Spring, 2026. She is excited to join the STMFW team and invites you to reach out by phone, text, email, homing pigeon...or just knock on her door. You are always welcome!
Marisa received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Clarke University. Her teacher career took her to Wisconsin, Illinois, Alaska and Indiana. While in Illinois, she met her husband Fred and they have three children. She currently teaches lessons at the St. Michael Academy of Arts, subs at Emmanuel-St. Michael Lutheran School and plays drums with the Worship Teams.
Our History
Since our inception in 1953, St. Michael Lutheran Church has been more than a place of worship; it is a vision of community, faith, and service. Starting in a former barracks building, our congregation has blossomed through faith-filled leadership, resilient rebuilding after adversity, and expansion to meet our growing family’s needs.
Our journey from those early days to the present is a testimony to God’s faithfulness and our community’s dedication. It is this rich heritage that propels us forward, envisioning a future where St. Michael continues to be a beacon of God’s love and grace.
