Rev. Chris Ramstad serves as Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and School Shepherd of Martin Luther School in Joplin, Missouri — shepherding our PreK–8th grade Lutheran school community in Word, worship, and faith since September 2023.
Before coming to Joplin, Pastor Ramstad served five years as Associate Pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus, Nebraska. What makes him uniquely suited to lead a Lutheran school community is his formation as a Lutheran educator — he and Principal Mollie Ramstad are both graduates of Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, where they trained to serve in Lutheran day schools before Pastor Chris received his call to ordained ministry. That background gives him a distinctive understanding of the classroom, the teacher’s calling, and why Christian education matters.
Before seminary, Pastor Chris served in Lutheran camp ministry — shaping his gift for connecting with students and families of every age. Today he joins Mrs. Ramstad and DCE Jason Glaskey in leading the mission of Martin Luther School: forming students in faith, character, and academic excellence in a Christ-centered community. He was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and cheers for the Cardinals, Blues, and Chiefs. He and Mollie have four children — Katheryne, Bryan, Paul, and Olivia.
Education & Credentials
Pastor Ramstad holds a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis (2018) — the LCMS flagship seminary for pastoral formation. His undergraduate work at Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska in Lutheran education means he arrived not only as a pastor, but as someone trained in the mission of the Lutheran day school from the ground up.
School Shepherd — NLSA Accreditation 2026
In 2026, Rev. Chris Ramstad was formally recognized as School Shepherd of Martin Luther School through the National Lutheran School Accreditation process — a designation that honors the pastor’s vital spiritual role in the life of the Lutheran day school. Martin Luther School’s 2026 review earned 8 Strengths, 0 Deficiencies — reflecting the unity of faith, learning, and community at MLS.
“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.”
1 Peter 5:2–3 (ESV)
Martin Luther School is affiliated with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and accredited through National Lutheran School Accreditation. Learn more about Pastor Ramstad’s ministry at Immanuel Lutheran Church, or enroll your child or schedule a tour.