The ministry of Saint Peter’s is the ministry of all God’s people, lay and ordained. Our clergy and professional staff work to enable and empower parish members to do their ministries both within the parish, and more importantly, in the world outside of the church’s walls.
We are also part of the larger fellowships of the Diocese of Ohio and of the Episcopal Church, USA, which is a province of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Check out the links to learn about our “family” of 80 million people!
Our Clergy
Mike Lager
rector@stpeterslakewood.org
Fr. Mike Lager was called to St. Peter’s to serve as rector, beginning his ministry here Palm Sunday, 2023. He spent his early years in Columbus, OH when his family moved there from Minneapolis, MN. He grew up in a loving family that was a part of the evangelical and charismatic tradition (So that’s where his preaching and teaching style was formed!).
He attended The Ohio State University (1982-1984) before experiencing a call to the ministry and attending the Bible college at Evangel University in Springfield, MO where he earned his B.A. in Biblical Studies (1986). He went on to the Assemblies of God Seminary and earned an M.A. in Biblical Literature (1987).
He served as a Youth Minister in Shreveport, LA (1988-1992). Along the way he married his college sweetheart, Kim. They relocated to Louisville, KY to attend Southern Seminary and he earned a M.Div (1994) while serving as a campus chaplain at the University of Louisville.
There he found the Episcopal Church and entered discernment for Holy Orders in the Diocese of Kentucky. He attended the General Episcopal Seminary in New York, NY for ‘finishing school’ earning a certificate in Anglican Studies (So that’s where he learned his Liturgical style!).
He was the first ordinand from that diocese’s new Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Ted Gulick (You may know that name… he was Fr. Keith’s rector and friend from Newport-News VA)!
Fr. Mike has served the Episcopal Church 25 years, beginning his ministry in Louisville, KY as a curate where he worked with the Young and Adult ministry, as he served as the Assistant Rector (1996-2000). It was in that season that Mike and Kim added their daughters Madison and Bentley to their family. He took his first call at St. Thomas’ where he served as rector for 10 faithful and productive years. God’s call took them to St. John’s Episcopal Church in Fort Smith, AR to be nearer Kim’s family (2010-2023). Along the way, Fr. Mike has served as President of the Executive Committee, Commission on Ministry and the Standing Committee in his previous dioceses.
Fr. Mike is an avid golfer, swimmer, smoker (i.e., BBQ) hiker and lover of outdoor activities. Kim and Mike love to travel, especially now that they are empty-nesters. He is a big sports fan and is excited to get back into the local teams.
“St. Peter’s is a return “home” to Ohio for me and a new adventure on the Lake for us! I am excited to be a part of this wonderful community and lead the revitalization of this historic parish! I look forward to welcoming all to this spiritual place and journey with you as we experience the presence of God in all we do!” Mike+
Professional Staff
Saint Peter’s is blessed to have superb staff who support and coordinate our ministries. They work hand in hand with our lay leadership and membership to make sure our parish mission and ministries run smoothly.
Lay Leadership
The heart and soul of Saint Peter’s consists of the baptized members of our Lakewood, Ohio parish. God uses our time, our talents, and our treasure to make the ministries of St. Peter’s happen. Every kind and size of gift and talent is critical to making the Reign of Christ visible in this faith community.
Our parish leadership consists of 12 parishioners who work together on our VESTRY. These parishioners are elected by the general membership to oversee the workings and the “business” of the parish. They also work alongside the clergy and professional staff to discern God’s vision for our life together, and to provide spiritual leadership for the congregation and the wider Greater Cleveland area community.
Vestry Officers
Liz Crosby
Senior Warden
John Neumann
Junior Warden
Dan Lammers
Treasurer
Joanne Hull
Clerk
