Meet Development Ambassador Rev. Dr. Scott Sailer
Sioux Falls Lutheran School is pleased to welcome Rev. Dr. Scott Sailer as our Development Ambassador!
Rev. Sailer completed his third term as president of the LC–MS South Dakota District in the spring of 2025. After a summer sabbatical, he will serve part-time at SFLS this fall in the newly created position of Development Ambassador. Within this new role, he will assist Executive Director Tia Esser and the Leadership Team in hiring a full-time Development Director. He will serve alongside said Development Director and administrative staff to lead efforts in annual giving, capital campaigns, endowment growth, alumni engagement, and donor relations.
Prior to his service as District President, Rev. Sailer served in parish ministry across South Dakota at St. John, Howard (1985-1989); Bethesda, Hot Springs (1989-1994); and Faith, Sioux Falls (1999-2015). Additionally, he was an admissions counselor and the Director of Admissions at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, from 1994 to 1998.
Check out the Q&A below to learn more about Rev. Sailer and what he looks forward to about serving as the Development Ambassador at SFLS.
Tell me a bit about yourself and your family.
I’m married to Sarah, who currently serves as the Eagle Care Director at SFLS. We have three sons (Tim, Aaron, and Dan), two daughters-in-law, and one granddaughter. In my free time I enjoy reading, writing, golfing, watching sporting events, traveling, attending concerts and plays, and spending time with family and friends.
How did you decide to become a pastor?
God grabbed me with the Gospel–His undeserved love for me in Christ–when I was a junior high confirmation student at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Dickinson, ND. I decided then that I wanted to be a pastor.
I attended Concordia College (now University), in St. Paul, MN (BA 1981), as a pre-seminary student, concentrating on Biblical languages and Literature. I then attended Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (M.Div. 1985). Sarah and I met in the college band at Concordia-St. Paul.
What do you look forward to about serving as Development Ambassador at SFLS?
I look forward to representing this wonderful ministry God has given us in Sioux Falls and encouraging and challenging God’s people to support this ministry, which impacts lives for eternity.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
“I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” –Romans 1:16
About Sioux Falls Lutheran School
Sioux Falls Lutheran School is a family community committed to developing capable Christian servant-leaders in a complex world who are World Ready and Faith Secure. We are passionate about giving our students the tools they need to be successful academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. We strive to accomplish this goal by maintaining high academic standards, employing excellent teachers, and upholding a Christian worldview drawn from Scripture. Ultimately, our vision is to partner with families in preparing children, as led by the Holy Spirit, for faithful and bold use of their God-given gifts to navigate and serve a complex world with the love of Christ.