Since Senior Pastor Tom Schafer came to Lake of the Woods Church in 1995, membership has grown from 593 members to more than 900 with an average Sunday attendance almost double that of most regional churches. Pastor Schafer was born in Defiance, Ohio, and came to faith in a small Community Church. He grew in faith during his college years as a member of the campus group, “Inter-Varsity Fellowship.” In 1980 he received a Masters of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary where he also met his wife, Joan. In 1993, he earned a Masters degree in Counseling from Ball State University. Before coming to Lake of the Woods Church, Pastor Schafer served in Berkey Church in Ohio from 1980 to 1989 and Gethsemane United Methodist Church in Muncie, Ind. from 1989 to 1995. The Schafers live in Lake of the Woods with their daughter, Chelsea. Pastor Schafer says, “It is such a privilege to pastor a church that unites believers and makes Christ known to all. Lake of the Woods Church is a good place to seek faith, grow in faith, and serve in faith.” |
