Planted in 1971 and organized in 1972, Kinsmen in Houston has been waiting for a break in the pandemic to celebrate 50 years. Tonight over 200 people gathered. And what a motley crew of former pastors and staff gathered.
John Harpel was the founding pastor of Kinsmen.
Paul Blom served as senior pastor from 1984 until he was elected bishop in 1991. Pastor Jon Anderson and Pastor Davíd Palma-Ruwenalso served as pastors.
The photo below shows Paul with Pastor Jon Anderson (who later served as bishop of the Southwestern Minnesota Synod) and Pastor Davíd Palma-Ruwe. Jon, Paul and Ringo.
Jim Hinkhouse served as senior pastor 1992-2006. Pastors John Boldt and Chris Markert also served here during that time. Neil Christians served as director of youth and family ministry.
Jeff Alvestad served as senior pastor 2007-2013. Pastor Mark England began as associate pastor.
Beth Warpmaeker has been serving as senior pastor since 2014. Pastor Gabriel launched a Latino ministry, Sagrada Familia during the pandemic and its growing!
13 pastors. 13 sermons, um, I mean speeches!
Finally, how cool to have the first person baptized at Kinsmen here:
Bishop Michael Rinehart 