A Story of Steady Faith

Humble Beginnings and the Gift of Grace

Both Ken and Carla grew up on dairy farms out of state. Their parents taught them how to work hard, be dependable and to respect others. Carla’s father was strict and felt that “idleness was the devil’s workshop” while her mother instilled a deep love for the Lord. “I’m sure she prayed for us daily,” Carla said with a gentle smile. After becoming a nurse, she moved to Milwaukee, where a twist of God’s providence introduced her to Ken through mutual friends. Eighteen months later, they were married, beginning a lifetime of partnership.

Early in their marriage, both Ken and Carla were active in church life, but their understanding of grace hadn’t fully taken root. That changed one evening at a small group meeting when their pastor asked a piercing question: “If you were to die tonight, do you know where you would spend eternity?” Carla’s response, “I hope so,”, This revealed a gap in her understanding. That night became a turning point. “It was the beginning of my understanding of grace,” she reflected.

Building a Home and a Life Together

Their faith would be tested and refined through the busyness of life: Ken working long hours and Carla juggling nursing shifts while raising their two young children. “Life was stressful and complicated,” Carla admitted. With no extended family nearby, they had to rely on each other—and on the church community—for support. “We leaned into each other,” Ken explained. “There was no one else to help us solve problems. It forced us to grow closer.”

One thing that stands out in their marriage is their deep commitment to communication. Ken, by his own admission, wasn’t always good at sharing his heart. “In early marriage, I was the typical guy—holding it all in,” he said. “But through mentors and learning at church, I realized I had to change.”

Over time, they developed daily rhythms of connection, including what they call their “5 PM catch-up”—a time set aside every evening to talk about their day, their dreams, and their faith. “Our goal is to be home by five,” Ken shared. Carla stated that Ken’s first comment when they sit down together is ‘What did you learn today?’and we both laugh”. Fridays are reserved as “Fun Friday”--short day trips, hobbies and reconnecting. “Sometimes we’re halfway to our destination, which could be a few hours, before we even turn the radio on because we’re talking so much.”

A Heart for Hospitality

Their love for people doesn’t stop within the walls of their home. Carla grew up in a home where visitors were always welcome. “We often had teens living with us who came from broken or abusive homes.” That open-door spirit carried into their marriage. “We’ve hosted teens, college students, young adults between jobs and missionary families–sometimes for weeks or months at a time.”

“It doesn’t always go the way you hope,” Ken chuckled, recalling one experience. “We had a young man stay with us, and it was pretty rough. There were some discipline problems. But even when it’s messy, you create opportunities for God to work.”

This commitment to generosity and hospitality also took root in their children. Ken shared proudly, “One year we gave our kids some money as a gift. Later we found out our daughter and her husband gave most of it away to help a friend. Also, our son and his wife opened their home to another couple for months who were struggling financially. Sometimes you plant seeds you don’t see grow until much later.”

Finding Their Place at Center Church

Ken and Carla first attended Heritage Church in Lake Zurich 15 years ago. They loved the Gospel-centered teaching and the genuine kindness of the staff as they navigated their daughter’s wedding there. But soon after, they heard about a church plant starting in Libertyville—Center Church. “We believed in the vision to plant churches,” Ken said. “It wasn’t always easy, but we knew this was where we were called.”

Despite the inevitable ups and downs that come with a young church, the Schuettes stayed steady. “We don’t leave because of disagreements about music styles or processes,” Ken said. “Christ is the center—not a pastor, not a program. As long as the teaching is faithful to the Word, that’s where we stay.”

Ken added, “You have to ask yourself: what hill do you want to die on? We choose to lean in, not walk away.”

A New Season of Leadership

Now, as Ken steps into a new role as an elder candidate, he reflects on how God has been preparing him. “I said no for a long time,” he admitted. “I needed to grow. I’m a fixer by nature—analytical, practical—but God has been softening my heart to care more deeply for people, not just fix problems.” He also feels a call to encourage others to identify and use their spiritual gifts. “God gave us gifts for a purpose—to serve others. I’d love to see more people take a spiritual gifts assessment and find their place in serving at Center Church.”

In retirement, Ken has poured himself into mentoring younger men, leading the Legacy Leadership “Next Chapter” group, and working with the 222 Foundation to support seminary students. Carla continues to visit and love on the elderly, making weekly visits to a woman that she befriended during her husband’s hospice journey. She also feels that grandparenting is a short season and she enjoys every moment with these young ones and prays for them daily.

Faithfulness in the Everyday

When asked how they support each other in their faith, Ken’s answer is simple yet profound: “We talk about everything. We pray together. We encourage each other. We show up.”

Their favorite scripture passages reflect their life experience: For Carla, Psalm 46 reminds her that God is “an ever-present help in trouble,” a truth she clung to after the loss of her father in a tragic accident. For Ken, Jeremiah 29:11 speaks to the hopeful future God promises, even in seasons of change and transition.

Looking back, the Schuettes are grateful—not for a life without trials, but for a faithful God who has been with them every step of the way.

“At the end of the week,” Carla said thoughtfully, “we should be able to ask ourselves: Did we make a difference in someone’s life this week?”

Ken and Carla’s story reminds us that making a difference often starts at home: creating a place of peace, living with open hands, and loving faithfully—one conversation, one guest, and one day at a time.