Karl Reinagel was born in Buffalo, NY, and was the second oldest of seven children—four boys and three girls. As a child of divorce he moved to Tennessee at age 15 where he lived for five years becoming part of a blended family. He began studying accounting at the University of Tennessee—Knoxville before moving to Southern California to attend Bible college where he met the love of his life, Carla. Shortly after graduation they were married and now have two adult sons and a daughter. Karl worked at the Church’s Mail Processing Center and Church Administration from 1982 through 1996. He began pastoral ministry in 1996 shepherding churches in Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska before moving to St. Louis where he has served as senior pastor since 2002.
Pastor Karl enjoys growing on the job. In addition to reading widely, he has completed several courses from American Association of Christian Counselors as well as a Certificate of Theological Studies from Grace Communion Seminary where he is currently pursuing a Master of Pastoral Studies. He also serves as district pastoral leader in the Mid-America District and enjoys serving as a chaplain at the Gateway to God youth camp. His hobbies include chopping firewood, playing games and watching movies.