Karen Eisele

As a little girl, Karen Eisele would sink down in a St. Louis church pew next to her parents and playfully make fun of the singers in the choir, as kids are apt to do. Looking back, Old Mission’s Contemporary Worship Leader says she’s always known that God wanted her to be up in front of the church so other kids could ogle her!

Now, kids and adults alike are greeted by Karen’s warm smile and boundless energy at the 9:45 a.m. contemporary worship service each Sunday. Whether singing lead or harmony, Karen leads the praise band and the congregation in singing modern Christian tunes, and occasionally you’ll see her creative talents showcased through two-foot tall teachers — Old Mission’s puppets.

“I love planning worship where people connect to God through music and drama,” she says. “Whether it’s designed for children or adults, I enjoy the creative process of praying and studying to design worship that pleases God and speaks to those who participate. It’s such a rush to see children and adults getting excited about God and His incredible love for them. I love hearing the congregation singing a familiar praise song, and my absolute favorite thing is hearing children recite a scripture that has meaning for them. I’m here because I believe God wants our family to serve here.”

Karen also spearheads the church’s one-of-a-kind Vacation Bible School program each summer. Unlike other area churches that use a template teaching device for VBS, Old Mission taps Karen’s creative talent and offers an original, themed program for kids ages 2 to those entering 6^th grade complete with songs, crafts, activities and food. Some recent VBS favorites include Bible Boot Camp, Fear Factor, Extreme Makeover: Old Mission Edition, and iAM.

Karen first noticed Old Mission, and its beautiful exterior, while house hunting more than a decade ago. But it’s what inside the church that’s drawn her in. “I think Old Mission is special because of how God works through the people here. The connections that we have with our church family are unlike any I’ve had before. I love to worship with our family from Old Mission and I love to hang out at home, laughing till I’m red in the face with the same group. I think Old Mission loves deeply; they really know how to take care of each other in the good times and the bad.

The best thing about Old Mission is that it’s honest. For my group of peers, I would say they are the same at church on Sunday morning as they are at work through the week and out on a Friday night.”

More fun facts about Karen:

What’s your favorite food(s)?

 Is coffee a food? Well, I love it. Plus St. Louis style pizza and Italian food in general.

What are some of your favorite movies?

Most chick flicks and musicals. Specifically, “13 going on 30,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Wicked” (not a movie yet, but it will be someday), “School of Rock,” and “Emma.”  “August Rush” is my most recent favorite movie.

For fun I enjoy ...

I like spending time with my family, hanging out and watching movies, drinking Starbucks, eating pizza, music — lots and lots of music (listening and performing).

I love spending time with friends on a Friday night while the kids are playing.

Who inspires you?

Obviously, God does. My mom, my husband Bill, Michele Bowen, any of my four children.

Tell us about your family...

Bill and I have been married since 2001; he also serves in many areas here at Old Mission and has for years. He grew up in the church, so this is definitely home for our family. I have three children from a previous marriage, Emma — 15, Joseph — 13, and John Michael — 11. Bill and I have Elizabeth who is 4 years old. All of the kids are creative, musical, and full of life. Our home life is rarely quiet, but it’s always an adventure.