Courtesy Photo Immanuel Lutheran Associate Pastor Joshua Schultz, second from left, poses with his wife Amy, at left, and Pastor Jim Erickson and his wife Lisa. Schultz recently received the Lutheran School Good Shepherd Award for the Michigan District.

ALPENA — Pastor Joshua Schultz of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Alpena recently received the Lutheran School Good Shepherd Award for the Michigan District.

Schultz accepted the award on Oct. 12 at the Michigan District Pastor and Wives Conference in Boyne Falls.

Immanuel Lutheran Church is part of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

Schultz was pleasantly surprised by the award, saying he was just doing his job.

“I was humbled to receive it,” Schultz said. “It’s a nice recognition. It’s nice to know I’m doing something good.”

Schultz started at Immanuel Lutheran eight years ago, right out of seminary. He is the associate pastor, and Pastor Jim Erickson has been the lead pastor for over 40 years.

“My job is to tell people about Jesus,” Schultz said. “It’s one of the greatest joys.”

The Lutheran School Good Shepherd Award was established by National Lutheran School Accreditation to honor a faithful pastor who provides outstanding encouragement, support, and service to his school.

“Pastors who are considered for this prestigious award understand and articulate a clear philosophy of Lutheran education, and provide spiritual encouragement, guidance, and support for the schools entrusted to their care,” a press released stated. “They are champions for their schools, and actively participate in team ministry as well as work with the Board of Christian Day School and associated parent groups.”

The NLSA Validation Team nominated Schultz in May during a site visit. After his nomination was endorsed by Lutheran Church Missouri Synod District officials, a committee of well-respected pastors reviewed each application and unanimously selected Schultz from those nominated.

Schultz graduated from Concordia University in Ann Arbor, completing his Master of Divinity at Concordia Theological Seminary and being ordained in 2014. He has faithfully served Immanuel since then.

“In addition to providing encouragement, guidance, and support for Immanuel School, he is also Immanuel’s youth pastor, confirmation instructor, director for all choirs, co-director of vacation Bible school, member of Vision 2030 and Membership Task Force teams, and Bible study leader,” the press release noted. “He is also very active in the local community — a member of Besser Male Chorus, past president of Options Pregnancy Center, and president and coach with the Thunder Bay Soccer Association.”

A native of Bath, Michigan, Schultz is married to his wife Amy and they have four children, Clare, Hannah, Micah, and Lucy.