Over the past decade KINDLE has recognized seven individuals by establishing a living legacy in their name. The first three of these individuals are now deceased. They are:

• Alan Gunderman, Sharlene Kleinedler, and Lillian Karpenko

Three others are still seizing the opportunity to serve Jesus Christ through caring concern for others. They include:

• LeRoy Wilke, Bob Ewell, and Richard Soeken

Today, KINDLE is delighted to announce the establishment of the William G. Cullen Living Legacy Fund within the KINDLE endowment. The following three paragraphs help to introduce you to this remarkable man of God, cherished by many:

Bill’s public ministry now spans over 36 years. His remarkable ministry has led him to distinguished service in higher education and congregational ministry. Upon graduation from Concordia College in Portland, Oregon in 1974, and after service as a District Youth Ministry staffer/College Admission Counselor, Bill’s congregation career launched in 1977 at Trinity/Zion Lu theran Churches in Hillsboro, Oregon followed by another stint at his alma mater from 1981 to 1986 (Dean of Admissions). In 1986 he accepted a call to serve as a DCE at Bethlehem, Lutheran in Aloha, Oregon. During many of those years, Bill served as an adjunct professor within the DCE Program of the College. In 1996 he joined the faculty of Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois where he served as Assistant, Associate and then Director of the DCE Program. In 2007, Bill accepted a call to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Rockford, Illinois where he presently serves as Director of Outreach and Missions.

Bill’s life has typified that of a servant leader. He is humble, thoughtful, and keen to edify others. His passion for sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is evident as is his willingness to give himself to the mission of the setting in which he serves. Bill is an outstanding teacher of the faith, able apologist, and sensitive mentor, whose service outside of the congregation is regularly sought. Bill’s passion is to further the Kingdom of God on earth and he seeks to draw people to the Light of God – Jesus Christ- through his various efforts.

The purpose of this fund is to honor Bill while providing the Karpenko Institute for Nurturing and Developing Leadership Excellence (KINDLE) with annual income that furthers its mission “to enhance the church by fostering and multiply servant leaders.” Given Bill‘s commitment to recognizing and supporting the development of servant leaders for the Church and world, his wish is that these funds be used, at the discretion of KINDLE, to help underwrite its training efforts in Classic KINDLE.

We invite you to join us in celebrating the ministry of Bill Cullen. Any questions regarding the Cullen living legacy may be directed to Dr. William O. Karpenko II.