| September 2025 Ministry Highlights |
| A Season of Celebration: The Installation of Pastor Christopher Kolupa at Concordia Lutheran Church, Berwyn On September 7, 2025, Concordia Lutheran Church in Berwyn celebrated the installation of Pastor Christopher Kolupa, marking another milestone in his ongoing journey of service within the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and among the wider Christian community. Celebrating Faithful Service and Partnership Pastor Kolupa is no stranger to ministry. Born and raised Lutheran, he has devoted his life to varied roles in LCMS congregations, including his ordination at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (HTLC), Burbank, IL, on August 22, 2021. He is also a trained teacher, an accomplished musician, and a graduate of Elmhurst College. Kolupa completed the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and has faithfully carried out vicariate and pastoral duties, even administering nearly all aspects of spiritual care as vicar at HTLC—except the Lord’s Supper, which was presided over by Rev. Hesham Shehab during his studies. Installation at Concordia: A Festive Gathering The installation service at Concordia featured the full beauty of Lutheran liturgy, with hymns such as “Lift High the Cross,” solemn prayers, and Scriptural readings drawing the congregation into worship. Clergy from near and far filled the chancel, emphasizing both the continuity and community of the Christian ministry. Rev. Hesham Shehab, from Salam Christian Fellowship, participated as a liturgist and delivered the Old Testament reading from Jeremiah, underscoring the shared roots and calling of all ministry.Six members of Salam Christian Fellowship joined the celebration, highlighting not only individual friendships but also the broader network of mission and mutual support connecting diverse Lutheran communities. Their presence alongside Concordia members and Kolupa’s family reflected the unity built through years of shared outreach, worship, and mercy works. |
Fruitful Ministry Across Communities
Pastor Kolupa’s ministry extends well beyond a single congregation. Since 2015, he has worked in tandem with Pastor Shehab, ministering to immigrants and refugees, especially those from Muslim backgrounds, through Salam Christian Fellowship and Messiah for Muslims. Their teamwork ranged from providing social services—such as delivering furniture to new arrivals—to co-leading worship and celebrating Christ’s gifts with converts and Christian refugees from the Middle East.
Kolupa’s involvement with these ministries began when he assisted Pastor Shehab in a wedding ceremony at St. John Lutheran Church in Schaumburg, IL, marking the start of a partnership that has become central to both men’s sense of call and mission. The installation service was an occasion to witness the harvest of these years: a pastor shepherding a congregation and a team strengthening Gospel outreach throughout Chicagoland.
A Day of Joyful Fellowship
After worship, Concordia hosted a festive meal, where Salam members mingled enthusiastically with local families and clergy. Stories and laughter were shared over tables—a vibrant reminder of the many lives Pastor Kolupa’s ministry has touched and the community bonds that undergird his calling. A special highlight was the inclusion of authentic Iranian dishes, lovingly prepared by a Salam cook, which added unique flavors to the meal and celebrated the cultural diversity present in the fellowship.
Looking Ahead
Salam Christian Fellowship congratulates Pastor Kolupa on his installation at Concordia Lutheran Church, giving thanks for the ongoing partnership and shared mission that continue to bless so many in the Chicagoland area. Pastor Kolupa’s journey is a testament to faithfulness, community encouragement, and a passion for welcoming all people into the hope and fellowship of Christ.
