Deaconess Pamela J. Nielsen of Ballwin, Mo., began serving Sept. 1 as managing editor for Witness, Mercy and Life Together with LCMS Communications.
In the new position, Nielsen will be responsible for gathering, editing and supervising the production of materials related to the ministry work performed on behalf
of the Synod’s “Witness, Mercy, Life Together” emphasis. Current periodicals that Nielsen will be responsible for producing include Caring and Sharing, which focus on the Synod’s human-care efforts, and Harvest News, which spotlights LCMS mission work.
Nielsen said that, in light of the church body’s recent restructuring that has brought together communicators from various LCMS departments, she will “help coordinate a clear message from every area of what we do, so that the church speaks with one voice, underscoring the theology that drives who we are and what we do.”
Nielsen, 49, served Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, for the past nine years as senior editor for Sunday School, VBS and Youth Resources, overseeing the development of the Growing in Christ Sunday-school curriculum. She also served as general editor for the Faith Alive ESV Student Bible and has authored numerous articles and several books.
“We are delighted that Pam has accepted the position of managing editor for Witness, Mercy and Life Together,” said James Heine, director of News and Information for LCMS Communications. “She brings a love of the church and a heart for service to the job. Her experience as an editor is invaluable, and we are blessed and thankful to have her as part of our team.”
Nielsen told Reporter “it is an honor and thrill to join the dedicated staff at the LCMS International Center in their efforts to support, encourage and assist the church in her witness, mercy and life together.
“As Lutherans we are uniquely positioned to boldly share the Gospel in Word and deed around the globe as we walk together in our confession of faith,” she said. “I am eager to roll up my sleeves and join the effort in communicating the many stories of God’s work through The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod at home and abroad.”
Prior to joining CPH, Nielsen served three years as director of Community Services at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind., leading a team that planned and hosted events to welcome campus visitors.
She earned a B.A. in theology and her deaconess diploma in 1985 from Concordia College (now Concordia University Chicago), River Forest, Ill., and an M.A. in religious studies in 1994 from Concordia Theological Seminary. She also has completed coursework toward the Master of Non-Profit Management at Washington University in St. Louis.
Since her commissioning as an LCMS deaconess, Nielsen has served several Midwestern parishes, caring for young, elderly, sick, grieving and low-income people. Her duties included visitation, parish education and counseling.
Nielsen and her husband, Jeffrey, have three children.
Posted Sept. 16, 2011
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