Pastor and Professor—
Dr. Thomas Trapp Serves Dual Role

This past fall, Rev. Thomas Trapp, Ph.D., professor of Religion and Theology was installed as pastor of Emmaus Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minn. where he served the four previous years as interim and mission pastor.

Trapp said the transition from interim pastor to pastor will give him the opportunity to see sustained ministry and growth. He continues to serve as tenured professor at Concordia University. Trapp said being a full-time professor and a three-quarter time pastor is quite the balancing act. “I still do get time to relax and be with my family,” he said. “But it is admittedly a full load. I truly believe the Lord opened this unique arrangement and it is a joy to know the Lord desires me to continue using my gifts in his kingdom.”

Trapp received his education from Concordia Junior College in Ann Arbor, Mich., Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, Ind., and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo. He had a Fulbright Grant for two years and earned his doctorate from the University of Heidelberg in Germany. Trapp was ordained at Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, Mich. on November 4, 1973 and has served in various capacities at many churches since his ordination. “I deeply love to tell the story of salvation in Christ,” said Trapp.

Trapp and his wife Kathy have three grown children and live in the Midway area of St. Paul.