Meet the Staff of Christ the King Lutheran Church
Pastor Aaron Wagner
Rev. Aaron Wagner is a child of God, saved by grace, and very blessed to be a servant of God here in Salina. The son of a pastor, he has been involved in Christian service all his life. Knowing he was headed towards the ministry, he began his pastoral studies at Concordia University Nebraska, where he majored in theatre arts. From there, he went to Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, where he graduated in 2011. During his summers in both college and seminary, he served in camping ministry at Lutheran Island Camp in Minnesota. Upon graduating from seminary, his first call was to Zion Lutheran Church in Alva, OK, a small college town in northwestern Oklahoma. In 2019, he was called to Christ the King.
It was during his eight years in Oklahoma he would eventually meet the woman who would become his wife: Samantha, a director of Christian education in a town a little over an hour away. In July of 2017, the two began the wonderful journey of marriage. This journey has brought two wonderful children into the world, Lydia and Hannah, and continues to be a joy and adventure every day.
During his free time, Pastor enjoys many hobbies. Included in these are cycling, reading, fitness, competitive gaming, and gardening.
Office Hours
Monday–Thursday
8:30 a.m. to Noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Email
Phone
(785) 827-7492 ext. 12 office
(580) 748-2378 cell
Associate Pastor Timothy Wangerin
Rev. Timothy Paul Wangerin was born August 26th, 1957, and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was baptized into the Christian faith and later Confirmed this faith at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs. The summer following his Confirmation, Pastor Tim and family moved to his parents' ancestral home in Kensington, Kansas. Five years after his high school graduation Pastor Tim enrolled at St. John’s College, Winfield, Kansas to begin studying for the pastoral ministry. Upon graduation from college he enrolled at Concordial Seminary, St. Louis. Because of industrial pollution affecting his asthma Pastor Tim finished his pastoral education at Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He has served congregations in Canada, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
In 2016 Pastor Tim was diagnosed with Bile Duct cancer which resulted in him resigning from his ministry in Lawton, Oklahoma. Pastor Tim and his wife, Melanie, moved to Salina. After surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy his cancer went into remission. Upon moving to Salina Pastor Tim and Melanie joined Christ the King Lutheran Church. Pastor Tim began leading Adult Bible Study and in 2024 the congregation called Pastor Tim to serve as their Associate Pastor part-time.
Pastor Tim is married to Melanie and they have three children: Michelle and her husband, John of Kansas City; Chad and his wife Laura, with a granddaughter Autumn of Beloit, Kansas; and Ashley and her husband Nathan of Leavenworth, Kansas. Their youngest daughter Ashley is a deaconess and her husband, Nathan, serves as a pastor in Leavenworth.
Office Hours
Tuesday and Wednesday
9:00 a.m. to Noon
or anytime by appointment
Email
Phone
(785) 827-7492 ext. 11 office
(405) 887-5949 cell
Samantha Wagner, Director of Christian Education
Samantha was born in Waco, Texas, and grew up in Riesel, Texas. She is an only child. She attended Concordia University Texas and has a degree in religious education.
She married Pastor Aaron Wagner in 2017, and they have two daughters. In her free time, she enjoys taking the kids on walks, going to the zoo, reading, and playing the piano.
Samantha enjoys planning church events for children and their families and watching kids grow in their faith and love for Christ.
Office HoursTuesday and Thursday
8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Email
Amy Friesen, Administrative Assistant
Amy Friesen has served as the church accountant for Christ the King since March 2019. In August 2024 she became the Administrative Assistant. Salina has always been home for Amy, except while attending college at Washburn University. She and her husband have two active boys who keep them running in every direction. When she has a few moments of freedom, Amy enjoys reading, baking, or taking a walk.
Office Hours
Monday–Thursday
8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Friday
8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Email