Rev. Aleksandr von Schmidt
I was born in 1973 in a Soviet family, raised in Communist society, but always had an interest in the Divine - around 12 years old I figured out there is something more than a Communist ideology. I got my first Bible at age 16, read most of the New Testament by 17, and wanted to be baptized. From 1991-1995 I earned a B.Sc. in Air-Conditioning Engineering and joined the Navigators (Student ministry) at age 18. After a couple of years of deep Bible Studies, I was not satisfied with a lack of the Sacramental aspect in my life. On May 28th, 1995 I was baptized in a Lutheran Church (St. Michael's congregation, St. Petersburg - Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria in Russia [ELCIR]). On November 26th, 1995 got married. We have four kids - from 23 to 16 years old - 2 boys and 2 girls. I started my pastoral education in September 1995 in the LCMS Mission pastoral training program (Some of my professors were Dr. Robert Kolb, Dr. Samuel Nafzger). Then I went to the ELCIR seminary. Graduated in 2000, writing a final paper on "Private Confession in the Bible and Lutheran Confessions". Was ordained as an associate pastor on April 25th, 1999. For a youth ministry pastor in St. Peter's congregation in Kolpany. January - December 2000 I was the Head of PR department of the ELCIR. On April 29th, 2001 I was ordained as a pastor of a mission congregation, St. Paul, St-Petersburg. Starting with two families we grew into 2 congregations of 20 and 10 people each. In December 2003, I was called to be a pastor for a Toksovo congregation. 2004 - 2009 I got my M.Th. (STM equivalent) - Biblical Studies of Old Testament - from the University of Wales (Cardiff, UK). I was called to Messianic Lutheran Congregation (St-Petersburg) in September 2008.
My family moved to the USA in November 25th, 2013. Since the ELCIR and the LCMS are in the Altar and Pulpit Fellowship - after a meeting with Pacific South-East District President Rev. Dr. Larry Stoterau - I was allowed to do pulpit supply. February 2018 I transferred my pastoral credentials from the ELCIR to the LCMS.
pastor@zionslo.com
(805) 543-8327 ext 2