Jeff Mueller was recently installed as the new pastor at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ (UCC) in Marthasville, a role he never would have imagined for himself. Thirty-one years old, single and …
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New pastor at St. Paul’s Church
Posted
By Cindy Gladden, Record Staff Writer
Jeff Mueller was recently installed as the new pastor at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ (UCC) in Marthasville, a role he never would have imagined for himself.Thirty-one years old, single and a member of the St. Louis Gatekeepers roller derby team, Mueller may not quite fit the traditional stereotype of a pastor.Mueller was raised in Hermann and attended St. Paul’s UCC there in his growing up years. His dream was to pursue a criminal justice degree, with the goal of becoming a district attorney.Mueller played football for Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan., never imagining what his future held.“My leg was severely injured,” said Mueller. “I had three surgeries, donor bone, screws. No more football. I had to completely re-evaluate my life.”For the next few years Mueller “bounced around.” He was employed as a mechanic for a while, then attended the University of Missouri at St. Louis where he eventually earned a degree in criminal justice and psychology. He also holds an auto service shop degree.A mission trip to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina set him on the path to pursuing ministry as his career choice and life calling.After feeling that he had something to offer in a ministry area, Mueller learned he needed a four-year degree before he could attend seminary. In 2015, he earned a master of divinity degree from Eden Seminary.While attending seminary, he took a contextual education class that offered hands-on learning. One of his first experiences was to serve at St. Anthony’s Hospital as a chaplain.“I thought I wanted to be a chaplain,” he said. “Congregational pastor wasn’t on the radar.”Later he served in a “pastor role” at a church in Wentzville, where he experienced day-in and day-out duties of a pastor.“I remember thinking maybe I could do this pastor thing,” said Mueller.While searching for opportunities, Mueller noticed that St. Paul’s in Marthasville needed a pastor. Mueller considered the position but opted to take a chaplain position for a short time. Revisiting his options, Mueller decided to reconnect with St. Paul’s.“I had a really good feeling about the area,” he said. “There is a definite sense of community you don’t get in the city.”After getting some time to settle in and get to know his congregation, Mueller said he is excited about the people he serves and the opportunity he has to make a difference in Marthasville.Challenges include familiarizing himself with the traditions and history of the church and learning the family relationships in his congregation. St. Paul’s has a rich history dating back to the 1860s.“I absolutely love the community and the church,” he said. “Church is a central part of their lives.”Mueller said his goals are to help St. Paul’s members get outside of their building and become more involved in the community.“I don’t want us to be an old, stuffy church on the hill, but a living, vibrant faith community that wants to be a part of the life of Marthasville.”When Mueller is not fulfilling his duties as the full-time pastor of St. Paul’s, he is on the roller derby rink under the name of “Last Rites.” Its members strive for “the thrill of contact and the exhilaration of competition.”St. Paul’s offers Sunday worship services at 9:30 a.m. with Sunday School at 10:30 a.m. The church is located at 103 S. Second St. Call 636-433-2482 or visit stpaulsuccmo.org for more information.
Jeff Mueller was installed as the new pastor of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Marthasville on March 12. He earned his divinity degree at Eden Seminary. He also holds bachelor's degrees in criminal justice and psychology. Record photo/ Cindy Gladden photo.
