Deacon Ellen Koester, Redevelopment Minister

Deacon Ellen Koester considers herself a Michigan girl and a Southern woman. She lives with Elmo, her loud and rambunctious canine companion who she is certain is part velociraptor. She came to consider the South her home as she served congregations in Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina. She also served as the CEO of Lutheran Services in Tennessee. She graduated from the University of Dayton in Dayton, OH, and Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, OH.  Seeing individuals of all ages grow in their faith and life and helping them discover ways to use their gifts to share God's love is what she loves in ministry.  Deacons in the ELCA are ordained ministers of Word and Service. They serve at the intersection of church and world, bringing a sharper focus to how the church responds to the needs of the people.