In Memoriam: Richard H. Warneck
L
ike others who answered God’s call to join the small remnant of the pre-walkout seminary faculty in the fall of 1974, Richard Warneck had quite unexpectedly left a very active and growing parish ministry at St John’s Ellisville, at that time primed for the transition from a predominantly rural congregation to one in the heart of burgeoning suburbs, to come to the largely decimated seminary campus and serve the larger church. Thanks be to God, he played a major part in rebuilding the St Louis seminary and restoring the important role that it has served so faithfully. His qualifications included a good decade of parish experience with an STM along the way, but most important was a pastoral heart combined with a deep care for our Lord’s church and his mission. Pastor Warneck’s almost legendary work ethic modeled and inculcated these key characteristics into the formation of future colleagues. Those were difficult times. For students somewhat unsure of the future, Professor Warneck’s courses in practical, very pastoral theology were a bright light of both encouragement and realism. “Guys,” he would say with a love for ministry driven from his heart and dripping off his gesturing right hand, “here’s how it is out there. It can be tough; it will take your very best efforts, but you get to bring the word of God into people’s lives! There is no higher calling.” Very best efforts, indeed. That phrase well summarizes both Pastor and Professor Warneck’s own high standards, whether it be classroom preparation or pulpit proclamation. Like everyone in those days, Professor Warneck wore several hats. He served also as director of resident field education and vicarage, taught more than a normal load of courses, was always ready to “talk shop” with students, and jumped in to help wherever needed, providing needed counsel and good insight from his well of pastoral wisdom and care. As living proof of the ongoing connection between seminary and parish, Professor Warneck again became Pastor Warneck, providing his steady pastoral leadership at Village Lutheran Church in Ladue, where he had also been serving as vacancy pastor after division in the congregation in the wake of 1974, and then as senior pastor of Grace Lutheran Chapel in Bellefontaine Neighbors in north St. Louis county, an historically large congregation now transitioning on the other side of burgeoning suburban growth. Both positions left him close to the seminary, in proximity but also in his heart, with fruitful opportunities for shared service like my own occasional preaching opportunity, for which Dick was always so personally and graciously appreciative.
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Concordia Journal Summer 2021
