How We Care
Staff
Pastor Ryan Roehrig
Lead Pastor
Pastor Ryan Roehrig is an East coast guy who grew up on Long Island, New York. He attended Concordia University in Seward Nebraska for undergraduate earning a Degree in History and completed his Seminary education at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO. He entered pastoral ministry in July of 2016 in Alta, IA. He took the call to serve at St Paul Lutheran in Carroll in July of 2020. Pastor enjoys time with others centered around food and board games. He is also a huge Movie fan!
Carol Onken
Church Secretary
Carol Onken is the secretary at St. Paul. She is originally from Fort Wayne, IN. She has a Business Degree with a major in Accounting from Indiana University, earned through Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne. After completing a 2-year Financial Management internship with rotational work assignments at General Electric, she relocated to Carroll, IA to work for the G.E. as Cost Specialist. While in Carroll she met her husband, Roger Onken. They have been married for 38 years, and have 2 grown children, son, Adam of Lincoln, NE. and daughter, Cassia & her fiancée Vince and 2 grandchildren, Maya & Kai of Montgomery, IL. In her free time, she enjoys researching her family history, attending plays & traveling to see family.
Durene Eisenbacher
Director- Little Lamb Preschool
Teacher/Director at Little Lamb Preschool since 2006 with 11 years additional Childcare experience as Teacher and writing curriculums for Apple Tree Children’s Center/Children’s World in Des Moines and Kansas City and also served as a Teachers Assistant at Fairview Elementary here in Carroll. With a heart for serving, she spent over 16 years as a CNA at Stewart Memorial and St Anthony in the Med/Surg with the majority of her time at The Birthplace. She attended DMACC. Durene has been married for 38 years to Joe. They have a son also named Joe, who is a Vicar at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Omaha , who is married to Elisabeth and loves to spend time with her 3 grandchildren.
What We Believe
St. Paul Lutheran finds its home in Christ Jesus. We are a part of the American Church body of the LCMS (Lutheran Church Missouri Synod). We are a Trinitarian Church that relies entirely upon the word of Scripture to teach and guide our life and teachings.
While it is impossible to discuss EVERYTHING we believe on this website what is important to remember about our Church is this. Our prayer is that when you arrive at our Church or become a member of our Church that you will find a clear confession of who Jesus is in our Services, preaching, and community life. That you would know that Jesus is the Son of God who died and rose again for Your sake.
If you want to learn more about some of the specific teachings we have on social issues or Theology you can explore two things.
1. Luther’s Small Catechism
2. Explore the LCMS(Lutheran Church Missouri Synod) website to learn more.
Local Missions
St. Paul always strives to use our gifts not just for our Church events but for our community by caring for those around us. Through our gifts of time, talents, and money we are able to support these incredible groups. Check the links below to see what they are doing for our community.
Global Missions
The Church of Jesus has always been Global. The Gospel is meant for every country and person on the earth. That is why St. Paul continues to support the work of global organizations from individual missionaries to mission organizations. See the links below to learn more!
International Student Outreach at Iowa State University
The Human Care Board helps coordinate our members and resources to support both our local and global missions, including leading the way in providing care for our current members.
LWML at St Paul
The LWML(Lutheran Women’s Missionary League) is an extremely important part of our Synodical Church body. Our own Church has two different groups of women serving the Lord. They raise money for missionary projects in the United States and around the world!
History
St. Paul Lutheran Church was organized and founded in 1886 with a charter membership of 15 members under the care of Rev. John Sessler. What began as a Church visiting in members homes, public school and courthouse has grown out of two Church buildings until 1959 when the current Church was dedicated. St Paul Lutheran Church has been an important part of the Carroll community for over 135 years. St Paul over that span has seen 15 Pastors and is currently served by Rev Ryan Roehrig who was installed July 5th, 2020
St. Paul has a long and interesting history and our Church Library can provide you with dozens of photos and information to explain the more detailed changes that have occurred over its 135 year history.