EF 3104 Mark Neumann: Serving His Savior and His State

Abstract

Benjamin Blumer’s senior church history project profiles Mark Neumann, a WELS layman and former U.S. Congressman, highlighting how Neumann’s Christian faith shaped his political career and personal life. Raised in the Wisconsin Synod, Neumann credits his upbringing and family for grounding him in biblical values. His decision to enter politics was motivated by concern for national morality and fiscal responsibility. In Congress, Neumann used a four-point “priority check” to guide his votes, placing moral and ethical considerations above party loyalty. Despite the pressures of Washington, he remained committed to faith and family, often witnessing to colleagues and maintaining nightly contact with his children. After leaving office, Neumann continued serving the church through Bible studies, budget consulting, and synodical restructuring efforts. Blumer’s reflections emphasize Neumann’s humility, integrity, and the possibility of faithful Christian service in public life. —Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)