Short Bio and Photos:

Michael Rinehart coaches non-profits, congregations, and congregational leaders around strategic planning, stewardship, capital fund appeals, and leadership. He is an ordained pastor who has served for 38 years in three parishes, then 18 years as bishop of the Gulf Coast Synod, ELCA. He also serves as an interim pastor for the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

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Short Bio

Michael Rinehart received his bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University, in music. He received his Master of Divinity at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio and his Doctor of Ministry from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago and the Catholic Theological Union. He holds an Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising. He has taken the Fundamentals of Transitional Ministry Training: For the Leader. He lives in Montgomery, Texas with his wife, adult children, and a delightful granddaughter.

Other Leadership

Board of Directors, ELEA (Beginning in the Spring of 2026)
Corporation Board, Texas Lutheran University (2007-2025)
Board of Directors, Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston (2022-2024)
Board of Directors, Houston Coalition for Mutual Respect (2008-2025)
Board of Directors, Louisiana Interchurch Conference (2007-2025)
Board of Directors, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (2014-2019), Chair (2016-2019). This organization is now called Global Refuge
Board of Directors, LEAD, a non-profit leadership organization launched by the Gulf Coast Synod (2012-2019)
Board of Directors, Wartburg Center for Youth Ministry (1993-1997)
Faith Council, Harris County District Attorney’s Office (2022-2024)
Houston Community of Conscience
Chaplain, American Guild of Organists, Houston Chapter (2019-2023)
ELCA Bishops’ Immigration Ready Bench
Author of Learning to Pray Again and Learning to Fast Again
Writer for Sundays and Seasons
Houston Coalition for Immigration Reform

Additional Information

He served as:

Pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport, Iowa
Pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Charlotte, North Carolina
Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Conroe, Texas
Bishop at the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, Houston, New Orleans, and surrounding areas
Consultant with GSB

Incidentally, played in the main stage band for four LCMS Youth Gatherings: