Lauren Dow Wegner experienced the warmth and joy of church community through her childhood as a member of Advent Lutheran Church in Arlington.  There, she was first introduced to the idea of ministry as a vocation for herself, but it took a while longer for her to embrace God's call in her life.  As a student at Texas Lutheran University, Lauren quickly discovered a love for theology, worship leadership, and ministry programming.  Working at a Lutheran summer camp in Wisconsin and an inner city youth ministry program in Chicago helped form Lauren's call to youth ministry.  She served as youth director at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Austin, where she continued to hear the Holy Spirit's whispering as she was offered opportunities to preach sermons, make hospital visits, and lead worship.  When she finally discerned that pastoral ministry was her path, she felt a peace in her heart and affirmation that very clearly came from God.  Lauren earned her Master of Divinity degree in 2010 from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, SC.  She served as Associate Pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Raleigh, NC and Associate Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church & School in River Forest, IL before returning to her homeland of Texas in 2020 to serve as Pastor at Shepherd of the Hills in Austin.  She was called as Senior Pastor there in 2023.  Lauren is married to Dave, and along with their children, Owen and Caroline, the family loves playing their various musical instruments and traveling to visit our beautiful state and national parks.