With retirement at hand, the Rev. Peter Kurowski turns attention to writing

The Rev. Peter Kurowski has been pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, California, longer than any other pastor in the church's pre-Civil War history.
The Rev. Peter Kurowski has been pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, California, longer than any other pastor in the church's pre-Civil War history.

Choosing a life of service to people and time for Bible study over prestige and administration, the Rev. Peter Kurowski has served the California community longer than any other pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

"I saw early on that I wanted to be a parish pastor, preach the Gospel and help people," Kurowski said.

Originally, however, he wanted to be lawyer or history teacher. But, after his freshman year of college, he was strongly encouraged to pursue the ministry.

"It was God's strange way to pull me in," he said. "This is not something you pursue, it pursues you.

"I'm aware I'm a foot soldier in a long-line since Pentecost."

During his nearly 40-year career, he has had offers for higher denominational leadership or larger congregations, Kurowski said. But, he said he preferred the freedom and belonging he experienced at St. Paul's and in Mid-Missouri.

While pastor at St. Paul's, Kurowski completed his doctorate degree at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He studied four "giant thinkers" who saw the Bible filled with "lively paradoxes" - St. Augustine, Martin Luther, Blaise Pascal and C.S. Lewis.

He had the honor to pray at the dias of the U.S. Congress June 8, 1999. And, he represented Missouri at the Air Force War College in Montgomery, Alabama.

He was a guest lecturer at Truman State University, and a long-time columnist for the California Democrat.

In addition to ministering to his congregation and the California community, Kurowski has reached hearts around the world with his dozens of published books, articles and devotions.

At the core of his everyday ministry is comfort, grace and a firm-yet-flexible theology.

"Historic Christianity is the one religion that avoids the extremes of legalism and lawlessness, authoritarianism and anarchy," he said.

His personal quote: "We are not saved by our perfect faith but our perfect savior."

Kurowski has tackled controversial but timely topics, knowing he would receive criticism while also perhaps helping heal situations, he said.

"Less than 3 percent of pastors enter the public square, yet (I have) felt an inner conviction to do so," he wrote. "(I have) tried to speak the truth in love, in so doing, searching for a winsome wisdom in addressing contemporary issues.

"I have sought to write on issues that not only matter, but issues theologians have tended to ignore."

Kurowski is pleased in particular with the comfort California was able to offer during "jittery" times, such as the turn of the 21st century, the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and the fall out from 2005's Hurricane Katrina.

He also has found satisfaction in his time in California by partnering with local organizations to meet the needs of more than 3,000 individual situations in Moniteau County.

"We have, in Jesus' name, helped a lot of people who were on the edge drinking from the cup of deep despair," he said. "We have helped a ton of children to see and sense a measure of the Savior's love."

Taking on the role of "community chaplain" Kurowski said he has enjoyed ministering beyond St. Paul's walls. That includes the many activities to help Mid-Missourians provided by the California Ministerial Alliance and the local Kiwanis chapter.

He has been blessed to mentor several local pastors through the years, he said.

"I've learned a lot from other denominations," he said.

Through Kiwanis, he has been focused on inspiring good citizenship, specifically through the annual essay contest.

"It takes two villages" to raise a child, Kurowski is fond of saying. He believes the same wholesome message needs to be reinforced through all aspects of a child's life.

"Ideally, hearing the same good things that are virtuous from more than one village is optimal."

After his first of two heart surgeries in 1973, Kurowski read the first of many books written by Herman Gockel, "I am still with thee." The devotional reached him spiritually when the surprise surgery interrupted his life that had included college-level wrestling against a future Olympic gold medalist and was only three weeks before his wedding.

"Gockel's devotions were immensely comforting," Kurowski said. " I said to myself I hope I can help other through the Gospel in a manner similar to Dr. Gockel."

Two years later, Kurowski unexpectedly met Gockel while sitting in a waiting room. Young and enthusiastic, Kurowski started out asking evangelistic questions and after receiving exceptionally eloquent answers, he was introduced to his literary hero.

"The reason I write is to comfort people and point them to God's goodness," he said.

One of his earliest opportunities to put his writing into the hands of people was writing the 22-minute script for the Lutheran Layman's League Christmas video "Red Boots for Christmas."

"I loaded it with the Gospel, comforting and memorable words," Kurowski said.

His earliest writing work was sports and political articles.

But when he saw the power of the written word, Kurowski said he wanted to touch hearts and enlighten minds.

His next book will be "Love All, Trust Few," which he has in rough draft form already, he said. And he has another seven ideas in mind.

Born one of 13 children, Kurowski grew up in poverty in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Yet, his mother always demonstrated unconditional love and that resonated when he heard the Gospel, he said.

"I grew up in severe poverty, but always felt rich," he said. "If you have the knowledge of God's love, good health and food to eat, you are rich."