We look forward to connecting with you. Please reach out to our staff with your questions.
Rev. Michael Merker
Lead Pastor
Pastor Mike is the church planting pastor at Jordan which began in 2009. Prior to arriving at Jordan, Mike served as a long term missionary in Panama as well as time working at Lutheran World Relief in Maryland. Mike received his Masters of Divinity at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. During his time in St. Louis, he married his wife, Melissa. They have 3 children; Helen, Nathan and Daniel.
Rev. Larry Eckart
Assistant to the Pastor
Larry is a retired Lutheran pastor who served for 26 years in Michigan and 9 years in Hilton Head, SC. He and Kathy relocated to the Raleigh area to be near family. As “Assistant to the Pastor,” Larry serves as a volunteer, bringing his years of experience and training to Jordan Lutheran and also assisting Pastor Mike as needed. He also serves as the chaplain for the Apex Police Department.
Vitor Roveri
Director of Music
Vitor and his wife, Dani, come to us from Brazil. He is trained in classical voice (bass) from Campinas State University (UNICAMP, Brazil) with a Bachelor’s degree in music. “I’m very happy with this opportunity to be the musical director of Jordan Lutheran Church. I’m sure that the church will enrich itself with all the beautiful work that we will be able to build, together! May our music be a pleasant, joyful and thankful prayer to God!”
Amaranth Palaparthi
Director of Church Ministry Intern
Amaranth is a fifth-generation Lutheran Christian, born and raised in India, where her Lutheran church nurtured her love for Jesus and His Church. She earned a B.S. in Business Administration from NC State while pursuing a Director of Church Ministries certificate through Concordia University. This fall, she plans to begin a Master of Engineering Management program at NC State. Serving our youth and children brings her joy and she looks forward to connecting with each of you this summer.
Rev. Ted & Rebecca Krey
Missionary Pastor
Jordan supports Rev. Ted Krey through prayers and financial support as he and his family work to bring the message of salvation to the people of the Dominican Republic since 2009. Ted serves as the regional director for the Latin America and the Caribbean region of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), which encompasses 22 countries in South and Central America and the Caribbean. Ted and Rebecca enjoy spending time with their five beautiful children – Esther, Matthias, Natalia Anna, Evangeline and Azariah.