New District Pastors

The Missouri District is blessed to welcome eight new pastors graduated from our Seminaries. Read below to get to know these servants of the Lord, and keep them in your prayers.

Samuel Aizenberg
Immanuel, Carrolton

Originally from Las Vegas, Pastor Aizenberg attended Faith Lutheran Junior and Senior High School before getting a bachelors degree in History. He and his wife are expecting their first baby boy in October. Pastor Aizenberg was born into the Jewish faith before becoming Lutheran. He’s looking forward to getting people excited about our Lutheran identity.

Jason Groth
LCMS Board for International Missions

Pastor Groth is from Lawrence, Michigan. Raised Roman Catholic, he also grew up on a farm, complete with 33 horses, 2 pigs, and more. He and his wife have 4 children. He will serve in Belize, and is looking forward to the challenges of being in a new place and serving alongside the team there.

Idonis King
Saint Trinity, St. Louis

Idonis King is from St. Louis. He’s married with four children and loves going to the gym, spending time with his kids, playing drums, and cooking. You can also catch him rooting for the home team whenever they’re playing. He is excited about trusting God and moving forward into the unknown.

Chris Knepper
Bethlehem, St. Louis

Though originally from Dallas, Texas, Pastor Knepper is a Concordia University, New York graduate. He loves urban and multi-ethnic ministry, and is excited about his Call to Bethlehem Lutheran Church. You can also find him spending time cooking up authentic meals, and sharing them with his wife.

Jason Kohm
Holy Cross, O'Fallon

Pastor Kohm’s hometown is St. Louis. A Concordia, Chicago graduate, he is really excited to meet and build relationships with his new church family. When not cheering on the St. Louis Blues and Cardinals, you can find Pastor Kohm out sailing; a hobby that he picked up in the British Virgin Islands.

Ratna Mangar
St. John, St. Louis

Pastor Mangar is from Kafley Tar, Bhutan, but now calls St. Louis home. He enjoys playing sports like soccer and volleyball and visiting the Botanical Gardens and the Zoo. He and his wife have a son. He is excited about serving the congregation at St. John’s and also helping the Nepali ministry there.

Nabin Samal
St. John, St. Louis

Orginally from Bhutan, Pastor Samal lives in St. Louis. He and his wife have four children. He enjoys visiting new places and playing Carrombord. He is excited about serving in God’s Kingdom and taking care of His flock at St. John’s.

Michael Winckler
Trinity, Friedheim

Pastor Winckler was born in Yankton, South Dakota, and was raised in Fremont, Nebraska. A Concordia University, Nebraska graduate, he also has a DCE certification. He and his wife have two little boys, and love spending time outdoors and gardening. He is looking forward to serving the saints in Friedheim.

New District Pastors