James Leistico
Pastor James Leistico was born in Charleston, South Carolina and baptized a week later at Calvary Lutheran Church. Within a few years, his father got a new job and moved the family to Lompoc, California. At 12 years old, God first planted into his heart the thought of becoming a pastor when his pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church suggested he think about studying for the ministry. Though he rejected the idea at the time, by High School, there was no other job he wanted to do.
After graduating with his bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies from Concordia University-Irvine, California, he went on to Concordia Theological Seminary. He spent his second year of studies on an exchange program at Westfield House in Cambridge, England – the seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in England. Here he met a number of Lutheran Church-Canada professors and students who remain close friends to this day. He also got a taste of international ministry, which has prepared him well for life in Windsor.
After returning to the United States, he met his beloved wife Laura (Schulz) and they married just before his final year of seminary. Graduating in May of 2001, the Lord provided him with St. Peter’s Lutheran Church (Evansville) and St. John’s Lutheran Church (Ruma) in southern Illinois. During this time, the Lord added 3 daughters and 2 sons to their family. In 2017, Peace called him to be their pastor and he moved here in 2017. He loves both the congregation and the community of Windsor. He looks forward to meeting you and to discovering what joys the Lord has for us here at Peace in the future!
Pastor Leistico’s favourite verse is Luke 19:10, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” He cares for Christ’s flock in many ways throughout each week. He loves to visit the sick and homebound and give spiritual care to all. He is available to meet with you at church, in your home, or out in the community to pray and talk with you. He wants to be here for you, bringing Christ’s mercy to you throughout all of life’s joys and struggles.
Contact him through the church office 519-945-1344 or pastor@peacewindsor.com.