Meet Our Staff

Rev. Dr. Victor J. Kollmann: Senior Pastor

I am delighted that you are here to learn more about this Spirit-filled church, which we affectionately call Messiah Lutheran Church. We are here to meet your spiritual needs by helping you to grow in the joy of getting to know your Lord personally, living with Him here on this earth, and by offering you opportunities for Christian fun and fellowship. I pray that you will find God leading you to become an active part of this congregation and to become part of a church that continually strives to make a difference for Christ in this world. May God richly bless you!

Pastor was raised in Collinsville, Illinois, just outside of St. Louis. His father is also a pastor, now retired. He has three brothers and one sister. He attended college at St. Paul’s College in Concordia, Missouri, Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, Indiana and graduated from Concordia Teacher’s College in Seward, Nebraska. He graduated from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri in 1981 with a Master of Divinity degree. Since then he has earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California, in Church Leadership and Church Growth. He started a mission congregation in Searcy, Arkansas, from 1981-87. He then took a call to be the Assistant Pastor at a 4000+ member congregation at Concordia, San Antonio, Texas until 1992, when he came here. Pastor is married to Angela (they were married in 1978), who is a retired AP and Honors Biology Teacher at Wakeland High School in Frisco. They have three adult children: Jonathan, Kristen, and Jaclyn, and two grandsons.

Rev. Matthew A. Lee: Associate Pastor

(DCE Intern 2011; On Staff since June 2012, Called and Ordained as Associate Pastor, August 7, 2022)

Pastor Lee was born and raised in Houston, TX and graduated in 2011 from Concordia University Texas in Austin as a Director of Christian Education with a specialization in Theology. He became a DCE intern in 2011 for Messiah and then answered the call to serve as a full-time DCE in June, 2012. Pastor Lee then answered the call to serve as an Associate Pastor in 2019, followed by both installation and ordination in August, 2022. Pastor Lee now serves as our Associate Pastor.  He is married to Erin and has four children.

 

Kathy Mardis: Pastors’ Secretary

(At Messiah since 1995; member since October 2004)

Kathy runs our Church Office and keeps things moving quickly and efficiently around Messiah. She also manages the flow of information, answers the phone, and helps out the pastors on staff. When you first walk into our office area, Kathy is the one who will greet you at the door with a smile, help you out with copies, etc. If you have any information that you want to put into the bulletin announcements or Messenger newsletter, or want to schedule an event, please contact her. She’s been married to her husband Ralph since 1998.

 

Dorothy Sherrod: Minister of Music

(Member since 1995 and on staff since February 2001)

Dorothy is a graduate from Louisiana Tech University, with a BA degree in Music Education.
After a career in teaching elementary music in schools, she joined Messiah’s staff in February
2001. She directs the Sanctuary and Children’s Choir, as well as our Praise Teams, and serves
as the primary organist and pianist for worship. Assisting musicians in utilizing their God-given
talents in worship is a primary goal of hers, so let her know if you’re interested. She is married to
Ed, who directs the Joyful Ringers Handbell Choir, and they have two sons, David and James.

Don Johnson: Director of Properties

(Member since 1997 and on staff since March 2003)

He keeps very busy as he coordinates all of our property for both the Lambs’ and the Church. He is the one you talk to about setting up for special events. Don is married to Kim and they have two sons (Brandon and Douglas), one grandson (Mason), and one granddaughter (Lexi). Don is always on the move as he works to keep Messiah looking beautiful. After one visit you’ll see the evidence of his passion for this work.

Amy Plenger: Director of Children’s Ministries

(Member since 1988 and on staff since July 2005)

Amy oversees our children’s ministries, including Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Christmas Pageant, and Nursery. She graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the Univ. of LA), and later the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. She is married to Nick (Pastor Kollmann’s 1st wedding at Messiah), and has 2 daughters, and 1 son—all baptized at Messiah.

Amy Myers: Director of Messiah Lambs

(Member since 1999 and on staff since 2014)

Amy is originally from St. Louis, Missouri, graduated from Iowa State University, and also holds an Early Childhood Certificate of Christian  Teaching from Concordia University.  Amy taught at the Lambs for 15 years before becoming the director.  Now she leads the caring staff of our Lambs and oversees the daily operations of the school.  You may contact her at the Lambs’ office Monday through Friday.  She is happy to show you the school and its wonderful program.

Kim Johnson: Administrative Assistant

(Member since 1997 and on staff since 2016)

Kim joined our staff in January of 2016, and manages our membership database, as well as assisting the Financial secretary with offerings.  She is married to Don Johnson, our Property supervisor, and they have two sons (Brandon and Douglas), one grandson (Mason), and one granddaughter (Lexi).

Daniel Ladishew: Director of Technology

(Member since 1993 and on staff since 2022)

Danny joined our staff in the Summer of 2022, coming from 10+ years in technology roles at previous employers, and a life-long love for Tech and Media in our modern world.  Raised and confirmed at Messiah, he also has 20+ years of experience volunteering in the Music and Media ministries.  His duties include managing the technical production and broadcast of our worship services/weddings/funerals, along with assisting staff and members with technology needs in our facilities.  He is married to Kenley Ladishew, and they have two sons (Sebastian and Xavier).

Jodi Sorenson - Director of Youth Ministry

(Member since 2012 and on staff since 2022)

Jodi is a SAC Brat, spending her entire childhood in her father’s service to our nation in the U.S. Air Force. She was born in the Philippines and has lived in Okinawa (twice), and all over this great nation. She has lead youth ministry in North Dallas for 38 years, both as lay leader and staff. She believes strongly that youth are the church of today. She is filling the role of Director of Youth Ministry part-time with an incredible team of volunteers until a full-time staff member joins the team. Email is the best way to contact her for information about youth programs and events.

Melinda Kellerman: Children’s Ministry Assistant

(Member since 2012 and on staff since 2022)
 
Melinda assists Amy Plenger in our Children’s Ministry. She helps with communications and planning of all the great events for our Little Lutherans. She also is the Volunteer Coordinator for VBS and a volunteer with her daughter’s Girls Scout Troop. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with her Masters in Accountancy and Undergrad in Business. Married to Cannon since 2012, they have 3 children. All baptized at Messiah.