Carl Gobelman is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, IN (MDiv, 2020), and before that Loyola University in Chicago (BA, 1993). Carl was licensed to preach the gospel by the South-Central Classis of the Reformed Church in the United States (RCUS) in May 2020 and ordained to the ministry of word and sacrament in April 2021. He currently serves as the stated clerk of the RCUS in addition to also serving on various committees at both the Synod level and the Classis level.
Before entering seminary, Carl worked in the IT industry for 30 years with various companies (Sears Merchandising Group, Montgomery Ward, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois). Carl is married to his wife, Linda, and together they have three adult children (Matthew, Lauren, and Jeremy) and two grandchildren (Noah and Sadie). Carl was born and raised in Chicago, IL. He is a graduate of Albert G. Lane Technical High School (1983), an avid Chicago sports fan (Cubs and Bears mostly), a connoisseur of Chicago pizza and hotdogs, and a pop culture aficionado (Star Trek, Star Wars, Marvel & DC Comics, Lord of the Rings). But Carl's passion is preaching and teaching God's Word to God's people.
Three biblical passages define Pastor Carl's philosophy of ministry:
[2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV] Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
[2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV] All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
[2 Timothy 4:1-2 NKJV] I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
Our Elders
The office of elder is a high calling in the church of Jesus Christ. Elders must conform to the qualifications found in Scripture (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). Elders "assist and support the pastor in the spiritual affairs of the Church" (Article 43 of the RCUS Constitution). Additionally, they are to "be an example unto others, shall watch faithfully over the spiritual interests of the congregation, shall maintain order in the house of God, shall aid in visiting the sick and in family visitation, and shall contribute according to their ability to the edification and consolation of all members" (Article 44 of the RCUS Constitution).
Though elders, once ordained to office, hold the office for life, at Emmanuel Reformed Church, our elders serve three-year terms. Currently, our elders are:
- Fred Hofmann
- Todd Hofmann
- Jerey Stevens
Our Deacons
The office of deacon is also a high calling in the church of Jesus Christ. Article 45 of the RCUS Constitution states, "[Deacons are] to aid in the securing the funds necessary for the support of the Church in its various activities, and to foster the principles of stewardship, thereby cultivating the spirit of liberality and cheerful giving. [The Deacon] is to attend to the temporal affairs of the congregation...and to look after the poor and needy in properly dispensing the charity of the Church." Like elders, deacons must also conform to the qualities of deacon found in Scripture (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 3:8-13).
Deacons, once ordained to office, are lifetime appointments. At Emmanuel Reformed Church, our deacons serve three-year terms. Currently our deacons are:
- Dan Baumert
- Aaron Griess
- Gary Nuss
