Serving as bishop of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 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.
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. Of late much time has been devoted to helping congregations get back on their feet after four devastating hurricanes in the last four years.
I’ve also been very involved in our companion synod program, particularly with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Peru. I’m just starting to learn about our other companion synod, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Central African Republic.
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
Bishop Andre Golicke of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Central African Republic
I was deeply moved by your words on Saturday, the 5th Anniversary of Katrina, at the St. Louis Cathedral…
“The bad news is we will never be the same.”
And I’m glad you let that hang in the air and sting for a moment as we took that in. It’s true, and that line speaks to the depth of this grief. We could feel the bitter tears and pain and sorrow and loss and resentment well up in us all as you spoke that truth. Thank you for speaking the truth, however painful.
And then grace followed…
“The good news is, it will never be the same.”
And that truth is just a real, too–that hope. That tender mercy.
Thank you for your words on that day.
Bishop Rhinehart always has the good of God’s followers @ the heart of whatever he is doing in his activities as Bishop. He just is not the type of man to abuse his power, Sir; but then you would know that if you had ever had the pleasure of knowing him. You are truly missing out, Sir.