Please join us in welcoming Rev. Chris Manke, who started work as Outreach for Hope’s Executive Director this week!

Originally born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin, Chris attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and then Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. Chris is also a pro-amature photographer and video producer, with a love for music, images, and technology and the ways they can declare God’s Spirit moving in this world.

Previously, Chris served as an Associate Pastor and then as Lead Pastor for one of the congregations in the Greater Milwaukee Synod, St. Matthew’s Lutheran in Wauwatosa, for the entire 24 years of his time in ministry.

“Having been in the Greater Milwaukee synod for these 24 years, I have had the privilege of witnessing the good work that our synod does through our congregations and leaders in ministry. As a long-time pastor in our synod, I have also had the opportunity to witness the many impactful ways that Outreach for Hope accompanies ministries who walk with communities experiencing poverty. I look forward to working more closely with the leaders of Outreach for Hope, with partner leaders, and with all of you throughout our synod, seeking to share my love for the gospel, that we might serve together as Christ’s church for the nurture, growth, and partnership of all people. I’m very hopeful of what God will do through us together.”

Rev. Chris Manke, Executive Director of Outreach for Hope