Jim Rasmussen first became involved with Concordia Schools as a parent in 1998.  He soon became a board member, then left Omaha for three years to study for the pastoral ministry.  His first pastoral call was back in Omaha and he got back on the board for Concordia.  In 2007, their founding director moved on to another school ministry and Jim was chosen to succeed him.  Concordia offers a high-quality education, centered in Jesus Christ, to students from kindergarten through 12th grade.  They are in their 15th year serving the Omaha area.  They have been blessed to grow to 475 students, and will open a new addition at their Jr.-Sr. High School this fall.  It includes a new competition gym, six new classrooms and an expanded commons.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I’m grateful to have played a role in the development of our schools from a promising but struggling start-up to an established and thriving entity, poised to produce servant leaders for many years.

Tell us a little about your family. – My wife, Nanette, and I have been married for 25 years, and we have three daughters ages 20, 18, and 14.   I’m a very blessed man.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – My big turning point was when I came to a deeper faith in Jesus at age 25.  That changed my outlook on everything and led to a growing focus on serving Christ and his church.   It also brought me a great deal of peace amid the constant struggles of life.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – When the weather allows I like to golf.  It’s full of strategy, variety and difficulty, and a great way to spend time outdoors with family and friends.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I worked 13 years as a newspaper reporter and editor, the last eight at the Omaha World-Herald.

What are you the most proud of? – My wife and daughters.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Faithful.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? – I would love to have the ability to bring everyone I know to faith in Jesus.  That power belongs only to God.  We just tell people the good news and let the Holy Spirit work.

Which talent would you most like to have? – I’d love to be able to write great rock music and perform it with a band.  I wish I could sing like Mac Powell of Third Day.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Politics.  Our country is in desperate need of courageous leadership.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – The best book I’ve read recently is Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy  by Eric Metaxas.

What is your favorite TV show? – Person of Interest

What is your favorite local restaurant? – Dolce

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Jesus Christ.  He is the pivotal person in history and the pivotal person in every life.  He is the way to forgiveness, peace with God and everlasting life.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Go to www.concordiaomaha.org or email me at  rasmussenj@concordiaomaha.org.