Pastor Matt Duerr had retirement all planned out. After 26 years leading Zion Lutheran Church in Lodi, he’d orchestrated his own succession — starting the pastoral call process years early because he’d watched too many churches struggle for years to find leadership. His congregation called a new pastor in December 2024, and Pastor Jason Weber accepted in January 2025.
But God had other plans.
“It is a wonderful church that called my daughter to be their kindergarten teacher almost 11 years ago,” Pastor Matt says of St. Paul. “They are one of those churches that I saw calling pastors but not getting anyone to come.”
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and to not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
So when St. Paul needed pastoral leadership, Pastor Matt answered the call. He stepped in as our long-term vacancy pastor this week — providing stability and pastoral leadership as the congregation continues its search for a permanent senior pastor.
Though his official title is “Senior Pastor – Vacancy,” Pastor Matt is the first to say he doesn’t pay much attention to titles. He prefers to devote all of his attention to God and His people.
That attitude is exactly what makes him the perfect person to serve the congregation at a time such as this, said Elder Paul Cook.
“Pastor Duerr is a blessing,” Cook said. “God has sent him at the right time. The elders and board had faith that God would always provide, and He sure did! We just have to keep our faith in God foremost and primary, and He will do the rest.”
A Teacher at Heart
Pastor Matt didn’t start out as a pastor, though he’s come from a long line of ministry workers. He graduated with the first class of Christ College Irvine in 1982 as a Lutheran educator, accepting a call that made him a 5/6 combination teacher, athletic director, outdoor education instructor, Bible study leader, and multi-grade math and science teacher.
“It was a lot, but it was good because my high school sweetheart hadn’t graduated from college yet, so I needed the distraction,” he says with a grin. He and Marjie married in 1983 and built their life in ministry together.
His successful teaching and coaching career was often acknowledged in many ways, but he’s not into the awards. Rather he sees it as God working through him. When talking about this, he often quotes scripture, “whatever you do in word or deed, do all to the glory of God.” (Col. 3:17)
From Principal to Pastor
“It’s all a testimony to what God can do when you submit to Him, His call and then follow His lead,” Pastor Matt says.
While those within the California-Nevada-Hawaii (CNH) district of the Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod (LCMS) know Zion as home to the district’s largest childcare and preschool program, others might wonder how it came to be.
Pastor Matt’s shift from educator to pastor came unexpectedly at the Lodi church. He was invited to start a middle school at the non-denominational church in 1996 by Jim Berner, a pastor in declining health who had come out of retirement to lead the congregation in a period of transition.
The school opened and filled within three months, and Pastor Matt found his responsibilities increasing as Pastor Berner’s health deteriorated.
Pastor Berner died in 1998 after recommending to Zion’s board that they ask their principal to become their pastor.
Principal Duerr became “Pastor Matt” when he accepted the position in 1999. The church’s search for leadership helped Pastor Matt to recognize the importance of denominational support, which also led Zion to affiliate with the LCMS. However, Pastor Matt did not attend any seminary and was not ordained in the LCMS. He went back to St. Louis for what is called a colloquy interview. The purpose of which is to determine what kind of training he would need to get to be ordained. By the grace of God, he was the first individual to go through the interview and be accepted/ordained without any further requirements.
Building on Covenants
Pastor Matt’s ministry philosophy centers on getting people into God’s Word. At Zion, he made Bible study the foundation of church leadership.
“I’ve given many Bibles away to individuals who I or the elders thought would be good leaders,” he says. “The result is that the leadership knows God’s Word, believes God’s Word and is united by God’s Word.”
He’s already sharing this vision with St. Paul families through regular articles in our weekly email newsletters. “Part of being a Christian church, school and preschool is to look for God at work with us and around us and then draw our attention to it,” he said.
“I hope you like Bible study and Bible-based sermons, counseling, and leadership. Because that’s what I do.”
Pastor Matt Duerr
What Families Can Expect
A vacancy pastor provides full pastoral services in the temporary or ongoing absence of a permanent pastor. There’s no set timeline — Pastor Matt stays as long as St. Paul needs him or until the Lord calls him home or he is unable to continue.
At St. Paul, he’ll lead Sunday worship, start a Sunday morning Bible study, assist with sixth-grade confirmation, and participate in staff devotions and the school’s chapel services.
“I hope you like Bible study and Bible-based sermons, counseling, and leadership,” he says simply. “Because that’s what I do.”
His first Bible study, focused on Romans, begins at 11:15 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. Email the church office at churchoffice@stpaulmerced.com to sign up for the study and confirm whether you want to purchase a printed copy of the study materials or download the online version instead.
For school families, Pastor Matt’s dual expertise in education and ministry makes him uniquely positioned to serve St. Paul’s integrated church and school community. He understands that school families are looking for academic excellence that aligns with Christian values and prioritizes students’ spiritual development.
“Pastor Matt is truly an answer to prayer,” said Principal Ruth Sebastian. “To have a pastor with teaching and administrative experience is to have a true partner in the stewardship of our school and church communities.”
As St. Paul begins Advent and Christmas with pastoral stability restored, there’s a sense that God’s timing — as always — is perfect. Pastor Matt may have planned for retirement, but God’s covenants don’t come with expiration dates.
“I’m really looking forward to getting into the ministry trenches with all of you,” Pastor Matt says. “I think God has some great things planned.”
Pastor Matt welcomes questions about the Bible, faith and spirituality from all members of the St. Paul community. You can email him directly at pastormatt@stpaulmerced.com.
St. Paul School and Preschool has been serving Merced County families since 1991. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA), and affiliated with the Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod.
