Loved and Sent: A Hopeful Vision for the LCMS from Pastor Jeff Cloeter
- Tim Ahlman
- Aug 18
- 2 min read
Pastor Jeff Cloeter is my friend. I was a 23-year-old first-year student at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, when we met. Jeff was a wise fourth-year student. I looked up to him for two reasons. One, he was an excellent basketball player. His baby hook in the lane was the envy of every seminarian. Two, Jeff had a deep abiding love for the Lord and a wisdom that allowed him to communicate the Gospel with peace and passion.
A year or two later, Jeff took his first call to be an associate pastor at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church in St. Louis. He quickly started an inner city church called Reliant, made up of many young adults and wise “older” members who were probably my age now. It is funny how time changes perspectives.
On my “off” Sundays from my fieldwork congregation, my wife and I would attend Reliant. Jeff became my wife’s favorite preacher. I was not offended. He was one of mine as well—behind my Dad.
Pastor Jeff Cloeter has served the people of Christ Memorial Lutheran and the wider St. Louis community for 20 years. He is a beloved leader in the St. Louis area, mobilizing many congregations and leaders to work together to reach many with the Gospel. In 2016, Jeff wrote a simple, but profound, book for his congregation and the wider Church—Loved and Sent.
I’ve never been jealous of Jeff. He is my friend. I’m proud of what God has done in his life and ministry. But a part of me thought, “That’s it. So simple. So true. We are loved by the God of the universe who sent His Son to show us the depth of His love! Like Jesus, the Holy Spirit has sent us into the world to make Jesus known! Loved and sent. Why didn’t I think of that?”
Jeff is not into LCMS politics, even though he lives in St. Louis. He has simply tried to faithfully serve God’s people. Yet, Jeff has noticed a shift in the LCMS. He has noticed a mission drift in the LCMS. He has witnessed the divisiveness in the LCMS. Most importantly, Jeff has struggled, as have I, to locate and articulate a hopeful vision for the LCMS.
Toward that end, Jeff has penned a hopeful vision for the LCMS. I pray you’ll read it, share it, and embrace its hopeful vision for the LCMS. The ULC shares this vision.
Tim,
Thanks for sharing all of this regarding Jeff. I recently received his book and even more recently read the document that you highlighted here. It is immensely important for your readers/ listeners to interact with. I will read it again as well as his book. Even more, I will continue to pray for Jeff's life and ministry, yours and all your crew. Lord, may we all follow You well. Amen!