Mission
St. Paul Lutheran Church exists to study the Word of God, as revealed in the Bible, to strengthen our faith in the Gospel message, and to share God’s love in our communities.
Colossians 2:6-7
Pastor Jacob Shepherd grew up in Aurora, Colorado. Both of his parents, Brian and Dee, worked as software engineers for a defense contracting company. Pastor Shepherd also has a younger brother, Max, who is a prep chef at a local steakhouse in Aurora.
Pastor Shepherd began his schooling at a local public school until 4th grade when he began to attend the WELS Lutheran Elementary School in Aurora. His father was baptized and confirmed shortly before Pastor Shepherd was confirmed and became a member at Christ Our Redeemer in Aurora in May, 2013.
In the fall of 2013 he enrolled at Luther Preparatory School in Watertown, Wisconsin, one of the ministerial preparatory school of the WELS. During high school, he competed in soccer and golf and continued to grow in the desire of serving God as a pastor. It was also in high school when Pastor Shepherd met Chloe.
Pastor Shepherd began his studies at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota in the fall of 2013. During his years at MLC he studied the Bible in the original Greek and Hebrew. Aside from the classical languages, Pastor Shepherd worked to become proficient in communicating in the Spanish language. During his years at MLC he went on two immersion trips, one to Ecuador and one to Argentina. He continued to grow in his passion of serving Spanish-speaking people with the Gospel.
His final four years of school were spent at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wisconsin. His vicar year was served in Edna, Texas where he had the opportunity to grow in his ability to serve as a pastor. He also had the privilege of serving a highly Hispanic community, including leading worship and peaching in Spanish to the members of the congregation who came to the Spanish service.
Pastor Shepherd married his wife, Chloe, after completing his first year at the Seminary. The following summer their daughter Hadley (2) was born. The family enjoys being outdoors walking, biking, or camping. As for Pastor Shepherd’s hobbies, he enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, reading, cooking, and playing soccer.
History of St. Paul
St. Paul Lutheran Church has been a part of the Round Lake community since 1940. As our congregation has been through all of the changes in this area, the most important thing has not changed, the preaching of God’s Word. It didn’t matter where we were or who was the pastor, the important message of the gospel has been taught. Through various pastors, with two different buildings, and a whole history of growth and decline and growth again, St. Paul Lutheran Church has been here to serve. Click the link below to read more about the detailed history how God has blessed us and given us the opportunity to serve the residents of Round Lake and the surrounding communities.
