Tim Engel barely has time to breathe with a non-stop schedule. Serving as pastor to the Holy Cross Lutheran Church, chaplain to the Portage police and fire departments, member of the Portage Kiwanis Club and being a dad sure is a full schedule. Engel carries all of these duties because he wants to make a difference in his community.
Engel was born and raised in Saint Clair Shores, Michigan. Engel later attended Concordia College in Ann Arbor, Michigan. After getting his degree he moved to Portage, Indiana to serve as Pastor to the Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Later, he started a family with his wife, Kim. He now has two children named Jakob (23) and Katie (18). Jakob is currently in his last year at Purdue University in West Lafayette. Katie is starting her freshman year at Indiana University in Bloomington. Engel’s family is very important to him.
“When I was in high school our church’s youth pastor was very instrumental in helping me decide to become a pastor,” Engel said.
Engel has been serving as pastor to the Holy Cross Lutheran Church fro sixteen years. He holds many duties as pastor. Besides the traditional Sunday worship he teaches bible studies, coordinates community outreaches, and manages Comfort Dog Ministries. Along with all of his in-church commitments he also visits the people in hospitals and nursing homes.
“Our church has recently adopted Central Elementary School. We want to be involved to enrich the lives of the children and their families,” he said.
The Holy Cross Lutheran Church does many outreaches to the community throughout the year. The church and Engel strive to make a difference in children’s lives throughout the community.
Engel is also in charge of the Comfort Dog Ministries at his church. The church owns two dogs. Engel’s comfort dog is named Barnabas. Barnabas and Engel visit various hospitals, nursing homes, and churches. The other compassionate canine is named Prince. Prince works with Mr. Kunstek at Portage High School.
“The dogs make very quick connections with people. No matter old, young or in-between, they really help me to follow up on that connection,” he said.
As Engel also serves as the Chaplain to the Portage fire and police department, he usually rides along with the fire and police department to the scene of action. Engel is on the scene so that he is available to talk. He enjoys helping people that are going through tough times.
Engel strives to make a positive impact in our community. His hard work is shown when he can give back to our community. No one can argue that Engel is truly a dedicated to his faith and community.
To find out more about Comfort Dog Ministries, click here!