I grew up on a mixed family farm in northwestern Alberta near a small Norwegian settlement, Valhalla Centre, with my identical twin brother (I’m the eldest by 20 minutes—a very significant 20 minutes) and three younger sisters. We were not a church-going family when I was a child, though Sunday school was important and we worshipped at Christmas and, sometimes, Easter.
My brother and I drove the pickup truck at eight, and the tractor and combine soon after. Caring for the livestock and farm chores were part of daily life, as was learning to prepare meals for seven. We were taught to care for one another, our neighbour and for creation. Family and neighbour always came first.
Music has always been a big part of my life and my family’s life. I also enjoy reading and nurturing a yard to bloom.
Following high school, I studied to be a concert pianist. I continue to play, though not as much as Iwould like. I love ensemble work and accompanying others. Health issues in my arms ended a concert making career. I studied at the Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute (CLBI) and completed a BA, double major in music and psychology, at Camrose Lutheran College (now UofA— Augustana Campus), and a MDiv from Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon.
I served Bethany, Dickson; Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Lethbridge; and Ascension, Edmonton before being called as assistant to the bishop in the Synod of Alberta and the Territories. In 2012, I was elected synod bishop. While serving at Ascension, I completed a Doctor of Worship Studies degree from the Institute for Worship Studies, Florida.
In August 2024, following a lengthy and meaningful discernment process, I concluded my ministry as synod bishop. Since November 2024 I have served as half-time interim pastor at Our Redeemer, Penticton and half-time assistant to the bishop for Special Service in the BC Synod.
I love every aspect of parish ministry. I am first and foremost a pastor with a pastor’s heart and a pastor’s intention. I’ve sought to live and lead by the core values of affirmation, involvement and servant-leadership. My personal mission is to engage, empower and equip others for ministry. This is who I am and who I will seek to be as your National Bishop.
Cathy and I met in Camrose when we were students and have been married for 42 years. Cathy is a financial educator and advisor, administrating a business office in Edmonton from wherever we live. She is incredibly gifted and can do anything from building a dining room table to feeding 100.
We are parents to four adult children, three who have partners, and five incredible grandchildren. We love being Nana and Papa.
I would describe my faith journey as a pilgrimage. One of being engaged by God through baptism, my family of origin, my spouse, children, and grandchildren, community and wider world to see and experience wonderful moments of grace.
Along the way, I have been accompanied and transformed by faithful and loving mentors—Cathy, folk from Colombia, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Global Christian Forum, Leadership of the Americas (through the LWF), as well as colleagues and friends.
What has been meaningful to me throughout my 36 years of ministry has been the relationships—lay and rostered—established, deepened and flourishing.
I see these relationships growing even deeper through the consultative process our whole church will engage in over the next three years (Facing Today—Dreaming of the Future). I am excited for the work before us and invite you to engage in this work, along with your congregation.
I am looking forward to discovering with you where God is leading us in what is a challenging time, but also one filled with hope, possibility and opportunity.
Thank you for your continued prayers in this season of transition—for Cathy and me, our family, the national staff and council and their families, and for our mission and ministry together as the ELCIC.
The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).
In Christ Jesus – Shalom,
Bishop Larry Kochendorfer
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