STAFF
Meet the dedicated staff at St. James Lutheran Church
REV. DR. RICHARD BLUE
Pastor Blue is an ordained pastor with extensive ministry experience and theological education, holding a Doctorate of Ministry in Apologetics from The Institute of Lutheran Theology. With a passion for sharing scriptural knowledge and practical theology, Pastor Blue is dedicated to inspiring and guiding individuals and congregations on their faith journey, alongside his role as a husband and father.
Pastor Blue is a highly accomplished and ordained pastor with a rich background in ministry and theological education. He holds an Associate of Arts in Christian Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry from Lincoln Christian University, a Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Ministry in Apologetics from The Institute of Lutheran Theology.
Throughout his career, Pastor Blue has served in various vital roles within the church, including senior pastor, church planter/mission developer, associate pastor, family pastor, youth pastor, camp counselor, and even as a church custodian. His dedication to spreading the message of faith and his commitment to the church’s growth have made a significant impact on congregations across different denominations.
Currently, Pastor Blue is endorsed by Augsburg Lutheran Churches and the Augustana District of LCMC, and he serves as an ordained pastor within The North American Lutheran Church and Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ.
On a personal note, Pastor Blue is happily married to Rev. Amanda Blue, who serves as the Pastor of Mt. Lebanon Community Church (GMC) in Greenfield. Together, they have two wonderful children, Ricky Lee (7) and Anna Marie (3).
Pastor Blue eagerly looks forward to sharing his wealth of scriptural knowledge, practical theology, and extensive ministry experience to inspire and guide individuals and congregations on their faith journey.
Rev. Dr. Richard Lee Blue, Jr. is a compassionate and dynamic pastor, chaplain, and educator, deeply committed to fostering spiritual growth and community care. Serving as the lead pastor of St. James Lutheran Church in Greenfield, Indiana, he brings a wealth of experience, having earned degrees from several institutions, including a Doctor of Ministry from the Institute of Lutheran Theology and a Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary. His educational background, combined with his pastoral and chaplaincy work, allows him to integrate theological depth with practical ministry, offering spiritual guidance in both congregational and institutional settings. Pastor Blue’s diverse roles extend beyond the church as he also serves as a Chaplain and a Spiritual Director for seminary students at United Theological Seminary.
With a heart for families and community outreach, Pastor Blue’s leadership at St. James is marked by his passion for youth and children’s ministries. He has led initiatives aimed at nurturing faith in younger generations. His ministry extends to guiding others in the church, supporting them through life’s joys and challenges with a loving and empathetic spirit.
As a husband to Rev. Amanda Blue, an ordained pastor in the Global Methodist Church, and father to two children, Pastor Blue’s family life also plays a central role in his ministry. Together, he and Amanda share a vision of faith that emphasizes living authentically in community, reaching out to others, and supporting one another through life’s journey.
Pastor Blue’s academic pursuits, pastoral care, and dedication to the spiritual development of those around him make him a valuable leader both in the church and the broader community. He is committed to walking alongside others, providing guidance, compassion, and a deep sense of Christ’s love to those in need.
REV. DR. THOMAS THORSTAD
Rev. Dr. Thomas Thorstad is called and deployed as a Full-Time Missionary in Laos.
Pastor Blue is a highly accomplished and ordained pastor with a rich background in ministry and theological education. He holds an Associate of Arts in Christian Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry from Lincoln Christian University, a Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Ministry in Apologetics from The Institute of Lutheran Theology.
Throughout his career, Pastor Blue has served in various vital roles within the church, including senior pastor, church planter/mission developer, associate pastor, family pastor, youth pastor, camp counselor, and even as a church custodian. His dedication to spreading the message of faith and his commitment to the church’s growth have made a significant impact on congregations across different denominations.
Currently, Pastor Blue is endorsed by Augsburg Lutheran Churches and the Augustana District of LCMC, and he serves as an ordained pastor within The North American Lutheran Church and Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ.
On a personal note, Pastor Blue is happily married to Rev. Amanda Blue, who serves as the Pastor of Mt. Lebanon Community Church (GMC) in Greenfield. Together, they have two wonderful children, Ricky Lee (7) and Anna Marie (3).
Pastor Blue eagerly looks forward to sharing his wealth of scriptural knowledge, practical theology, and extensive ministry experience to inspire and guide individuals and congregations on their faith journey.