Join Us Sunday Mornings at 10:30!
our Pastor
Pastor Stephen Wareham
Originally from Georgia, Pastor Stephen Wareham is honored to serve as the sole Pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Valdosta. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and recent graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, he brings both life experience and theological training to his calling.
As both a father in his family and a spiritual father to his congregation, he looks forward to serving Christ, the Messiah Lutheran Church Congregation, and the Valdosta community with faith and humility.
Pastor Wareham loves the outdoors—hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and the occasional rock climb. He’s also a hands-on guy who enjoys yard work, home repairs, and fixing up cars. In his downtime, you’ll find him grilling, reading sci-fi or fantasy, playing RPGs, or building Star Wars Lego sets and other models.
Our Office Administrator
Raquel Oberg
Raquel enjoys serving others and is a proud mother who loves taking on new challenges. She’s currently learning Spanish and American Sign Language and has a curiosity for exploring AI.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, swimming and is looking forward to going back to school.
Her journey has included Florida, Ohio, Indiana, and now Georgia—but no matter where life takes her, Michigan will always feel like home (even if she’s not a fan of the snow!).
Messiah Lutheran Church Elders
Larry Lorden, Paul Hill, Pastor Wareham, Charlie Francis, Mike DiMarco (left to right)
At Messiah Lutheran Church, the Elders serve alongside the Pastor to provide spiritual care and support.
They are dedicated to the spiritual well-being of our church family—assisting with worship, checking in on members in need, and offering prayerful encouragement as you grow in faith.
Each Elder serves with a heart for ministry, a listening ear, and a commitment to keeping our members connected to God’s Word and one another.
"Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." — Galatians 6:2
