Our pastor, Charles (Chuck) Gackstetter, comes to UCCFF with 30 years of experience as a bivocational professional.  He earned a living for himself and his family of three as a public school teacher in the St. Louis suburb of Maplewood.  He retired as chair of the social studies department.  His other vocation (his wife sometimes calls it his hobby) was serving congregations as pastor.  One was in the city of St. Louis and the other in Franklin County.  He was ordained by the United Church of Christ in 1976.

Pastor Gackstetter and his wife have been married for 43 years.  They have one child who is the head of the Language Department at Drury University in Springfield.   They have one grandchild (the main reason for the move to the Ozarks).

Pastor Chuck (as he is known) says he is excited by the call by UCCFF because it is an Open and Affirming congregation.  "There just aren't enough such congregations in the area," he says adding that he believes that “ more progressive voices are needed in the area”.  "Truly accepting God's unconditional love as shown in Jesus Christ is the first step in reconciliation within individuals and among citizens," he adds. “Once accepted as the guiding principle, that foundation of radical love motivates individuals and communities to miracles of transformation”.  He also says he is attracted by the enthusiasm, youthful spirit, and perseverance of the UCCFF congregation.

The Good News of the Gospel is that GOD IS GOOD -- ALL THE TIME!  
That's his mantra.

Pastor Chuck earned his undergraduate degree from Heidelberg College in Ohio and his Master of Divinity degree from Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis.  He is surprised to find himself to be 67 years old.