The Rev. Michael A. Croon: From Marketer to Minister

Michael A. Croon was working in the marketing field at a museum when he got the call to leave the corporate world and enter the seminary. 

Now, the Rev. Michael A. Croon Sr. is the Pastor of in Chicago Heights. A second-career-choice pastor, he has been leading the Chicago Heights church since September 2010.

“I grew up in the south suburbs and had attended Hope Lutheran Church in Park Forest throughout my youth, until college," said Croon. 

Chicago Heights Patch asked the Rev. Croon a few questions, just to get to know this week's featured Person of Faith a little better.

Patch: How long have you been in Chicago Heights? 

Rev. Croon: Since September 2010.

What has been your most important contribution?

My most important contribution would be my ability to communicate one on one with our members and those in the community. I have a true desire to proclaim and get the gospel out to the community.

The church has a group that goes to a PADS site that is off-campus on a regular basis. One of the things we’re looking to do is become more involved in the community. How can we serve the community better?

Over the years, historically as far as St. Paul’s Lutheran School and Church, we have served generations here in Chicago Heights since the late 1800s.  St. Paul’s School, over the decades has provided quality Christian education.

Who are some notable members of your congregation?

The first person that comes to mind is the current President of Concordia Seminary, Dale Meyer. He attended and was most recently the speaker for our Lutheran Hour Ministries, which is our radio ministry.  He was the Lutheran Hour speaker for a number of years.

Tell us a story about your congregation or church.

In the fall, we have a program called "Trunks for Treats," where we open our area to the community.We invite antique vehicles to come. The parking lot is full of antique vehicles, where the owners put goodies in the trunks for the kids. Also, we have different programs in the gymnasium for the kids, such as face painting and various games.

This has been a unique opportunity for people to start seeing St. Paul’s in a different light. I enjoyed talking to people about their cars and their lives. This has been a great way to showcase ourselves in the community.

What are your plans for St. Paul’s?

By God's grace and guidance, I would hope, above all, for us to be known not only in our congregation, but the community as well. We want to be a congregation that is going out to the community, serving the community and aiding the community.

Above all, not only proclaiming the gospel but to let that love for the Lord reflect our love for the community. I am honored to be at the forefront of moving His gospel forward. I’m excited to do that.