Rev. Daniel J. Lepley
Senior Pastor
The people of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Greenville joyfully installed a new pastor Sunday, October 6, 2024, during the regular worship service at 9:30 a.m. The event was a “homecoming” of sorts for Rev. Daniel J. Lepley, who was raised in Greenville and graduated from Greenville High School before attending Montcalm Community College.
Now, after twenty years of ministry and leadership around the country and around the globe, Pastor Lepley, his wife Wendi (Rittersdorf), and their family are coming home.
Their story began as sweethearts at Greenville High School, where they graduated in 1997 and 1998, respectively. After he earned a bachelor of arts degree from Concordia University-Wisconsin in 2004 and a master of divinity degree from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 2007, their shared faith and commitment to service led them to Indiana, where Pastor Lepley served congregations in Seymour and Avon.
His influence expanded as he took on synodical responsibilities within the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, working with churches across 27 states and Canada. His involvement was vital to establishing the Ministry Excellence Fund in Indiana, securing crucial support for church workers.
Pastor Lepley’s heart for education and child welfare drew his attention to Kenya. As President of 4Kenya’s Kids, (4kenyaskids.org) he has played a key supporting role in the development of Point of Grace Academy in Kisumu. The school has grown from 11 students in 2011 to become one of the most outstanding schools in Kenya, currently providing education and holistic care to 1,202 children and young adults.
A lifelong learner, Pastor Lepley’s intellectual pursuits led him to author “On Our Origins” and to create the Family Bible Journey podcast, which has resonated with listeners in 41 states and 25 countries.
His passion for justice was nurtured during his time as a Wabash Fellow, where he had the privilege of learning from world leaders including two of his favorites from South Africa: Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the freedom fighter, Eddie Daniels. These experiences shaped his worldview and commitment to advocating for the marginalized.
His wife, Wendi, is a rostered Lutheran school teacher. They have four children and are outdoors enthusiasts, enjoying hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, camping, and recreational sports such as soccer. “Personal time in God’s creation is my refuge when the demands of life require taking a time-out,” Lepley says.
They also enjoy travel and spent June 2017 in Kenya as a family. He has led many study trips and traveled to Israel in 2011 and 2012 to deepen his understanding of the places where the Biblical narrative occurred. He says these experiences have given him a greater understanding of the parables, culture and events of the Bible to enrich his preaching and teaching.
“I look forward to getting reengaged with the community,” Pastor Lepley stated. “We’re excited to share our experiences and knowledge with our family at Mount Calvary and in our area.” As his family gets reintegrated at Mount Calvary, Pastor Dan and Wendi bring a wealth of experiences and a heart full of passion for their hometown. He looks forward to being reconnected and discovering the opportunities God has in store for this new chapter in ministry.
