Pastor Speckhard graduated from Valparaiso University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Classics (Greek and Latin culture/literature) in 2011. And earned his M.Div at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, graduating in 2015. Pastor Speckhard grew up the oldest of four with his family in Valparaiso, IN. He met his wife Erika while attending Valparaiso University. They have three great children. In addition to reading and writing, Pastor’s interests and hobbies mostly have to do with sports. He loves to play and watch just about every sport out there — particularly football and hockey. His family has rooted for the Packers, Blackhawks, Cubs, Fighting Irish (football), and Hoosiers (basketball) for about as long as anyone can remember. He loves to play hockey, baseball/softball, basketball, tennis, and golf (He said “though, as a general rule, I am much better at watching than playing”). 

 

Pastor Speckhard’s special school memory is 

 

Pastor Speckhard served his Vicarage at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Nebraska in 2013-14. His first Call into the ministry was to Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, Illinois, where he served as sole pastor for five years. He then accepted the Call to North Judson. Pastor Speckhard credits his extended family having had quite a few Lutheran pastors over the years as one thing that led him to the Ministry. “In my life, my two uncles who are pastors probably had the most influence in steering me towards pastoral ministry. I have also been blessed to be surrounded by quality pastors in a variety of congregational and academic settings, which certainly helped to solidify my desire to pursue this vocation. I honestly do not recall a specific time or moment when I felt called to serve for the first time. Rather, that calling simply developed gradually, beginning at a young age, and the Lord has opened all of the necessary doors to allow me to continue along this path.” Being a part of his youth group growing up has been a meaningful memory of his faith journey. Pastor Speckhard’s favorite Bible verse is his Confirmation verse: Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”