Pastor Steve Ernst, Lead Pastor
Ministry Lead for Worship, Spiritual Growth, Christian Service, Biblical Stewardship
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Pastor Steve joined the staff of Richland Lutheran Church in December 2010 as Associate Pastor of Outreach. In March 2012, Richland Lutheran called Pastor Steve as Lead Pastor where he continues to serve. Prior to joining Richland Lutheran, Pastor Steve served eight years at City on a Hill Lutheran Church in Southern California, where he was born and raised, as Founding and Lead Pastor. He began his ministry with Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Torrance, CA where he served first as Youth Minister and then Teaching Pastor. Pastor Steve has served twenty three years in full-time vocational ministry.
Pastor Steve earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration: Marketing from California State University Long Beach. Then went on to earn his Master of Arts in Christian Education from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University and his Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. Pastor Steve has served our denomination, Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC), nationally as a member and later Chair of The Ministry Board.
Pastor Steve has been married to his lovely wife, Ginnette, for twenty one years and they have two boys, Ezekiel and Nathan. Pastor Steve enjoys the outdoors and outdoor sports like fishing, camping, cycling, hunting, surfing, and hiking. Pastor Steve’s favorite saying and life mission are one in the same, “Dude, It’s all about Jesus!”
Ministry Lead for Worship, Spiritual Growth, Christian Service, Biblical Stewardship
Email Pastor Steve
Pastor Steve joined the staff of Richland Lutheran Church in December 2010 as Associate Pastor of Outreach. In March 2012, Richland Lutheran called Pastor Steve as Lead Pastor where he continues to serve. Prior to joining Richland Lutheran, Pastor Steve served eight years at City on a Hill Lutheran Church in Southern California, where he was born and raised, as Founding and Lead Pastor. He began his ministry with Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Torrance, CA where he served first as Youth Minister and then Teaching Pastor. Pastor Steve has served twenty three years in full-time vocational ministry.
Pastor Steve earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration: Marketing from California State University Long Beach. Then went on to earn his Master of Arts in Christian Education from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University and his Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. Pastor Steve has served our denomination, Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC), nationally as a member and later Chair of The Ministry Board.
Pastor Steve has been married to his lovely wife, Ginnette, for twenty one years and they have two boys, Ezekiel and Nathan. Pastor Steve enjoys the outdoors and outdoor sports like fishing, camping, cycling, hunting, surfing, and hiking. Pastor Steve’s favorite saying and life mission are one in the same, “Dude, It’s all about Jesus!”
Lisa Wiegand, Ministry Assistant for Biblical Stewardship
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Lisa grew up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and went to school at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville (Go VOLS!) earning a degree in Interior Design. Lisa learned bookkeeping and office management while working in a real estate office and now has over 20 years experience in this field.
She came to RLC in September 2012 after relocating to Richland with her husband John, and their three boys, Tyler, AJ, and Trey. When she is not attending the many sports activities with her family or cheering on the VOLS, Lisa enjoys reading, listening to music, golfing, and all things designing and decorating.
Email Lisa Wiegand
Lisa grew up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and went to school at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville (Go VOLS!) earning a degree in Interior Design. Lisa learned bookkeeping and office management while working in a real estate office and now has over 20 years experience in this field.
She came to RLC in September 2012 after relocating to Richland with her husband John, and their three boys, Tyler, AJ, and Trey. When she is not attending the many sports activities with her family or cheering on the VOLS, Lisa enjoys reading, listening to music, golfing, and all things designing and decorating.
Charlotte "Charlie" Welch, Ministry Assistant for Worship
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Check back soon to learn more about Charlie!
Email Charlotte Welch
Check back soon to learn more about Charlie!
Merri Buck, Ministry Assistant for Christian Service
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Merri is a long time Tri-Cities resident that grew up in Richland. Her love of people, complimented by compassion, empathy and understanding is beneficial in her Christian Service Ministry position. Merri and her husband are the parents of 5 adult children, grandparents to 7 amazing children and also have 2 loving doggies. In her free time Merri enjoys attending musical events with her husband, teaching craft classes and photography.
Email Merri Buck
Merri is a long time Tri-Cities resident that grew up in Richland. Her love of people, complimented by compassion, empathy and understanding is beneficial in her Christian Service Ministry position. Merri and her husband are the parents of 5 adult children, grandparents to 7 amazing children and also have 2 loving doggies. In her free time Merri enjoys attending musical events with her husband, teaching craft classes and photography.
Susan Miller, Organist
Susan grew up at RLC. She attended Whitman College and graduated with an AA degree in Music Education, K-12, with an emphasis on Organ. She has served churches as Music Director, Cantor, Choir Director and Organist since that time. She has earned the Colleague rank from the American Guild of Organists where she has held every office in the Columbia Basin Chapter, and is currently the Dean. Susan returned to RLC in 2018 to serve as Organist. She seeks to serve our Lord with energy, enthusiasm, imagination and love.
Susan grew up at RLC. She attended Whitman College and graduated with an AA degree in Music Education, K-12, with an emphasis on Organ. She has served churches as Music Director, Cantor, Choir Director and Organist since that time. She has earned the Colleague rank from the American Guild of Organists where she has held every office in the Columbia Basin Chapter, and is currently the Dean. Susan returned to RLC in 2018 to serve as Organist. She seeks to serve our Lord with energy, enthusiasm, imagination and love.
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901 Van Giesen Street - Richland, WA 99354
officeatrlc@gmail.com 509-943-3164 Office Hours: 9 AM - 4 PM Monday - Thursday; Fridays by appointment only (c) 2025 Richland Lutheran Church (LCMC). All Rights Reserved.
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