Lutherans for Life
On Friday, May 23, 2025, Rev. Dr. Aric Fenske was installed as the new Executive Director of Lutherans For Life. The installation service was held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Louis, Missouri, with Rev. Dr. B. Keith Haney officiating. Dr. Haney serves as Assistant to the President for Missions, Human Care, and Stewardship for Iowa District West (LCMS). Also participating in the service were Rev. Michael Salemink, former executive director of Lutherans For Life, and Rev. Andrew Packer who gave the sermon.
The Rev. Dr. Aric Fenske is a 2011 graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. Since that time, he has served as the pastor of two dual parishes in the North Wisconsin District – LCMS, where he has been active in several different pro-life organizations. Dr. Fenske earned his Doctor of Ministry in 2019, again from Concordia Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Marie, have four daughters—Madison, Alexis, Hailee, and Marta—along with two grandsons, James and Rustyn. Dr. Fenske assumed his duties as Executive Director of Lutherans For Life on May 1, 2025.
Former executive director, Rev. Salemink, has accepted a call to serve as Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. Salemink, who earned his Master of Divinity from CTSFW in 2003, had served as executive director since 2015.
Lutherans For Life has, since 1979, upheld the value of life affirmed by the resurrected Christ. We educate congregations on life issues with a Gospel perspective, equipping Lutherans and their neighbors to be Gospel-motivated voices For Life. Lutherans For Life also offers help, healing, and forgiveness for anyone who bears the burden of overwhelming guilt through our 24-hour Word of Hope hotline (888-217-8679). This free service is available to men, women, and youths for information, referrals, and Scripture-based spiritual care to address life issues such as surprise pregnancy, abortion Life Advocates are developed in congregations and communities — in collaboration with our volunteer relations team — to affirm life and participate in motivating others For Life through the Gospel. Lutherans For Life also serves youth through its Y4Life program!
