Rev. Paul S. Frank

Born: April 20, 1940

Hometown: Alliance, Ohio

Family: Miriam Frank, wife

Son: Darren and wife, Kim and 2 children

Daughter: Kristi and husband, David and 3 children

 

Education: Wittenberg University, BS in Education 1962

Hamma School of Theology, BD in Theology 1965

 

Ministry Experience:

Trinity Lutheran Church, Tullahoma, TN.

Associate Pastor and Director of School for Children with Special Needs (1965-1974)

Chaplain of Tennessee Vocation School for Girls (1965-1974)

St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Hendersonville, TN. Pastor (1974-2005)

 

Over a period of 40 years have served on many different Boards and Agencies.

Especially have enjoyed working with youth and young adults.

Served 32 years on Synodical Youth Leadership Summer Event.

Served as counselor for Easter Seal Camp, 4 years.

The list goes on…because I enjoy working with people!

 

Call Story:

I was the oldest of 3 sons and my father was a Lutheran Minister. According to “birth order” and “family systems” it would seem that I was destined to become a Lutheran minister, as well. Thus, when asked as a child what I wanted to be it seemed natural to respond “A minister!” When I went to college, however, I began to look at other careers and determined that maybe I really wanted to become a teacher. Student teaching in my senior year at Wittenberg University was wonderful and confirmed that I should become a teacher. However, there was still that question in the back of my mind: “What about parish ministry?” Upon graduation, even though I had been offered a teaching position, I determined that if God wanted me to preach, then so be it! After all, I knew how much I enjoyed teaching! Thus I enrolled in Seminary and all through Seminary I wrestled with this dilemma: preach or teach? In my last year of Seminary it dawned on me that as a pastor I would be preaching and teaching! Thus, my “call” was not a “voice in the night”, but more of a tug on my heart as I discerned what God wanted me to do with my life for Him. Answering that “call” has been the most exciting adventure of my life!

 

Ministry Style:

Over the years I have felt led to be part of a “team”. Thus, my leadership and ministry style would be empowering others to serve and lead. I enjoy working “with people” and helping them grow in their faith journey.

 

Gifts for Ministry:

I am energized by people of all ages! I have the gifts for teaching and empowering others. I enjoy various worship styles. I also believe that we are called to be Christ’s hands and heart in a world that cries out in need. Thus being with people “on the front line of their lives” is critical to living out my calling.

 

Hobbies: Art, music, playing the piano and organ; drama, good books and movies to discuss. Cooking for others. Travel, photography. Teaching others music and piano.

Project Connect is an initiative of the Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries. Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, and the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Funded by a generous grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc.