Pastor Eric Stinnette

Dear Future Guest,

Why would you want to visit our church? Good question. Why would you visit any church, for that matter? Good question. Someone once told me that church would be great if it weren’t for all the people. They’re getting at a very important theological teaching. We’re all by nature sinful and unclean, but that’s not all we are. Maybe you still wear one of those WWJD bracelets, and that’s fine. My answer to that question is, “I don’t know. He’s unpredictable.” I can only tell you what he’s done. He didn’t leave us unclean, hopeless and separated from God.

We are cleansed by his blood shed on the cross and promised a resurrection like his, united to him at our baptism. I used to wear a bracelet that said in Latin, “Simil Justus et Peccator,” which means, “At the same time justified and sinner.” That’s us. Saint and sinner. We’re saints who continue to sin and repent and receive forgiveness won by Christ. We’re a won and done kind of denomination (Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod). Christ won our salvation so we can be done with trying to earn it. It’s impossible.

I’m Eric Stinnette, currently the pastor of St. Peter Lutheran. I’ve heard some crazy stuff about this church. “It’s a cult that worships Martin Luther,” some say. Nope. We worship our Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It’s strange that we have a person’s name in our name and even ironic that Luther wouldn’t have wanted his name used anyway. He wasn’t that kind of guy, but the name stuck. We are Christ-centered, preaching Christ and Him crucified every Sunday. Our Motto is “Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Scripture Alone.” We’re saved by grace through faith by the power of the Holy Spirit as taught in scripture. No matter who the pastor is when you show up, that will remain the same.

I didn’t always believe what I’ve told you so far. I spent five years of my life as a proud atheist. I decided that I’d be fine without God in my life. It was a lonely and insecure place to be, like walking a tight rope without a safety net. By the grace of God, I met a Lutheran gal in college who reintroduced me to Christ. I was going to U.T. Austin and she was going to Concordia Austin. It’s a long story that I’d be happy to tell you when you get here, but if it hadn’t been for God working through her and others I might still be making fun of Christians and thumbing my nose at God.

I never planned on becoming a pastor, as you might have guessed. I got a degree in bilingual elementary education and taught school in Austin and Georgetown. After teaching for a while, I began working on a counseling degree that I completed and only used for two years. I thought I was going to sail off into the sunset and retire as an elementary school counselor, but God had other plans. I finally had to start listening to Him after several people (who didn’t know each other) kept asking me if I’d thought about becoming a pastor. First I said, “No way,” but they wouldn’t go away. So I said, “Lord, your will be done. I’ll apply but you’ll get me accepted. I’ll study and take the pre-requisite entrance exams, but you’ll guide my hand, etc.” And the doors kept on opening. I started in the summer of 2006 with intensive Greek, and after pursuing the most demanding degree I’ve ever worked toward, I graduated in the spring of 2010. My first call was to Redeemer, Cisco. St. Peter is my second, and I’ve been here about 2 ½ years. Oh, that gal I met in college has been my wife for nearly 25 years. We are blessed with 2 children who attend Mabank High School. 

If you’re still reading this letter, you’re probably more dedicated than most people. I hope to see you in worship on Sunday morning at 8:00 (traditional) or 10:45 (a blend of traditional and contemporary songs). Feel free to call me with any questions at 254-631-9715.

Your servant in Christ,

Pastor Eric Stinnette