We believe that…
… we are imperfect people in need of forgiveness that only God can provide.
… God sent His Son, Jesus, to be our Savior from sin.
… Jesus gave His life on the cross so that we can be forgiven.
… Jesus died and rose again so that death will have no power over us.
… through Jesus we will live forever, forgiven and free.
St. John’s is a member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
St. John’s
The name of the evangelist and disciple who described salvation as life with God. His name in ours challenges us to humbly share the life and love of Jesus.
Lutheran
As a congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, we are inheritors of the western tradition of Christianity as expressed in the 1580 Christian Book of Concord. Whether gathered in church or scattered outside in our various vocations, we proclaim through word, song and action the burden-relieving, joy-inducing good news that Christ has freed us from our burdens to live and love.
Church
We are a community of believers in Christ Jesus, a visible organization of the invisible, holy, catholic church, the communion of saints. We belong to that mystical body of Christ, one with him, one with all believers on earth and one with the saints at rest.
Our Pastor
Micah Schmidt
Pastor Schmidt graduated from Concordia University in Austin, TX, where he studied music and Biblical language. He graduated from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in 2014.
In 2023 Pastor Schmidt accepted the call to serve at St. John’s. He is married to Elizabeth and together they have Adelaide and Zadok.
Pastor enjoys Classical Music, baseball and long conversations with good friends.
Our DEM
Michael Hartley
Our Director of Education Ministries is Michael Hartley. Michael studied at Concordia University Irvine where he majored in Christian Education Leadership and was certified as a Director of Christian Education. He also holds a Masters’ Degree from the Institute of Lutheran Theology.
Michael accepted the call to serve at St. John’s in March of 2015. He is responsible for all Youth Ministry at St. John’s.
Michael is married to Kierstin and has two beautiful daughters. When he’s not at church, he finds joy in home projects like woodworking, beekeeping and gardening.
Michael serves in the Kentucky Army National Guard as a chaplain and is ordained as a chaplain by The American Association of Lutheran Churches.
Our Church Secretary
Lisa Walraven
Lisa has served at St. John’s faithfully since 2015. Lisa enjoys working here and cares about helping everyone who needs assistance. Lisa also loves sharing her love of Jesus with the children at St. John’s. She helps by decorating and teaching for VBS.
Originally from Colorado, Lisa is married to Rodney and they have four grown children, Paul, Thomas (Elissa), Christine (Ben) and Joshua along with two grandchildren, Henry and Tallulah. They usually have a few dogs and a cat running around their house too! They have lived in Lexington since 2004.
Lisa enjoys crafting, reading, photography and spending time with her family. When she’s not in the church office you may find Lisa hanging out with her grandson playing and racing his cars or at the park. She also spends time with her granddaughter who is involved in dance and soccer!
Our Preschool Director
Lindsey Woodyard
Lindsey Woodyard began serving as Preschool Director in 2025. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Special Education from the University of the Cumberlands, and a master’s degree in Education from Asbury University, where she focused on Literacy and Writing.
Lindsey’s background includes teaching first and second grade in Jessamine County Schools, teaching preschool at St. John’s and homeschooling two of her children during their elementary years.
Lindsey is married to Troy and has four children: Sam, Joseph, Norah and Nathan. Their family are long time members of Providence Community Church, where Troy serves in the music ministry and Lindsey serves in the Children’s Ministry. Lindsey is a native of Lexington and feels very blessed to have many of her extended family members living close by. Much of her free time is spent with her children and their activities. She also enjoys reading a wide variety of books including young adult and children’s books with her kids.
Teaching in the preschool and early elementary years is her passion—She loves helping young children discover the joy of learning and supporting families of young children.