Our Staff

District President, Rev. James Maxwell

President Maxwell comes from Rock of Ages Lutheran Church located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Before that, he was Pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Whitefish, Montana. President Maxwell received his Masters in Divinity at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. President Maxwell’s undergraduate work includes a Bachelors Arts degree in Theology from Concordia Irvine.  

Congregational Services, Rev. Paul Albers

Pastor Albers’ ministry emphasis is Lutheran Schools. In support of our schools he conducts Board of Education workshops, staff training events, support and development for workers through Beginning Teacher Workshops, Administrator and Spouse Retreats, and Nurturing the Faith gatherings. Through the work of a pool of incredible church worker volunteers, Paul’s Youth Committee creates and sponsors Youth Gatherings to strengthen our youth and their friends.  Email Pastor Albers at paul.albers@rm.lcms.org.

Administrative Assistant, Monique Hjalmquist

Monique is the Administrative Assistant for the District President and Congregational Services. She assists the District President with the church worker roster and the calling process for church workers. Additionally, she coordinates projects, organizes local or national meetings and conferences for district schools and congregations in addition to assisting with general district operations. Email Monique at: monique@rm.lcms.org


Partners in Ministry

Leah Abel

Leah Abel is an adjunct member of our staff serving as a process facilitator and project manager for congregations. She designs individualized planning processes and facilitates important conversations so that churches can gain clarity, get on the same page and move toward fruitful work. Learn more about planning assistance here.

Leah is a graduate of Concordia University Nebraska where she earned her DCE certification. Leah has served congregations in Florida and Colorado and now lives in Colorado with her daughter Amelia and her husband Pastor Scott Abel who serves as pastor at Our Father Lutheran Church in Centennial.