Bishop Michael Rinehart
Serving as bishop of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is an honor, a challenge, and a joy. It has given me the opportunity to work with many gifted pastors and committed people of faith. We’re creating communities that make disciples who serve the world in Jesus’ name.
For information updated weekly (sometimes daily) on news, events, ideas, books, schedules, and so on, visit my blog at www.bishopmike.com.
Evangelism is one of my passions, and our synod’s highest priority. Evangelism is making fully devoted followers of Christ, who taught love of God and neighbor as the greatest commandments. Of late much time has been devoted to helping congregations get back on their feet after four devastating hurricanes in the last four years.
I’ve also been very involved in our companion synod program, particularly with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Peru. I’m just starting to learn about our other companion synod, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Central African Republic.
(Click on the image to see a lists of Podcasts)
Biographical Information 
Born: August 2, 1961, Columbus, Ohio
Wife: Susan
Children: John and Yuliana
Parents: Warren and Patricia Rinehart
Undergraduate studies: Bachelor of Music in organ performance from Valparaiso University, a Lutheran university in northern Indiana, 1983
Seminary: Masters of Divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio, 1988.
Calls:
- St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport, Iowa (1988-1994)
- Christ Lutheran Church, Charlotte, North Carolina (1994-1997)
- Grace Lutheran Church, Conroe, Texas (1997-2007)
- Bishop, Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod (2007-present).
Currently serving:
- Texas Lutheran University Corporation Board
- Houston Coalition for Immigration Reform
- Board of the Houston Coalition for Mutual Respect
Bishop Rinehart's Installation in 2007
Bishop Rinehart and Presiding Bishop Mark Hansen