King of Kings Lutheran Church

Our Staff

Pastor Paul Birner 

Pastor Paul David Birner is the second of four boys born to Rev. Edward and Nancy Birner. He was brought into the family of God by means of Holy Baptism 55 years ago. He is husband to Kirsten and father to Amy.

 Paul did his pre-seminary training at St. John’s College in Winfield, KS and Concordia College in Portland, OR. He graduated from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO in the spring of 1985. His first call was to Anchorage Lutheran Church, Anchorage, AK. Paul served there as Associate Pastor from 1985 to 1997. From 1997 until August 2014 he served St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Conover, NC, as Sr. Pastor.

 Pastor Birner completed Group Magazine’s Youth Ministry Consultant program in 1995, the Pastoral Leadership Institute in 2003 and Sustaining Pastoral Excellence in 2008. He is a founding board member of University Christian High School, in Hickory NC.

Pastor Birner attempts to bring the richness of Lutheran theology to his preaching, teaching and pastoral care ministries. He anticipates a fruitful and effective ministry among the people of King of King’s Lutheran Church in Renton, WA.

Pastor Matthew Both

My name is Matthew Wich loul Both.  Wich loul means I was born beside the river. 

I was born in 1967, and I became a Christian in 1983, during our civil war.  It was a very difficult time in South Sudan, so on September 28, 1993, I packed up my wife Rebecca and my daughter Leah, and we came to the United States.

It has been a long road since then.  I didn't speak any English when we got here, so I needed to go to school to learn and I needed to work and support my young family.  Then the Lord called to me and told me that I was to be his servant to the many people coming from war torn South Sudan.  By his Grace and help, I am doing what He called me to do. My family is growing and thriving in this great country.  We are now 10 altogether.  2 boys and 6 girls.  Thank God for that! 

I was ordained into ministry in 2009.  July 12, 2013 marked my 4th year in the pastoral ministry.  I serve the Lord here at King of Kings Lutheran Church.  I am the only Sudanese Nuer Speaking Pastor in this area, and I spend much of my time reaching out into this community to teach them about the love and salvation of Christ.  I also teach the children to speak Nuer, so that in future generations we won't lose our culture.  Now that the war is over in South Sudan I also arrange mission trips, so that we may help them build churches and rebuild their homes.  So many people lost everything in the war.

Rev. Matthew Both, Associate Pastor of Missions and Outreach                                                                                                                                            (206)669-3195  PastorMatthew@King-of-Kings.org

Suzy Hennig, Youth Director

Greta Alex, Pre-School and Kindergarten Director

Miss Alex has a BA in Psychology, with minors in Sociology & Biology. She has worked with children most of her life. Her background in mental health provided a wonderful backdrop to her teaching career. She comes to us with decades of experience in teaching, from preschool through adult levels, and homeschooling through every grade level. She is thrilled to be leading our school in the perfect balance of high academics and the joyful nurturing of the hearts and souls of those under our care.

Miss Alex enjoys traveling, gardening, debate, public speaking, working out, cooking, and spending time with her loved ones, most especially her two children.

Karlia Lindeke, Secretary

Hi!  I'm Karlia.  I started here January of 2023 and am happy to be here! 

My Husband Zac Rogers and I were married at my original home church Resurrection Lutheran Church in Des Moines, WA in 2006.  We now attend Peace Lutheran Church in Covington, WA with our three daughters Adara, Caia, and Elenna. Both of us have lived in Washington state most of our lives, except for attending college out of state. I attended Concordia University in Portland, OR as a Business Major and graduated in 2005.  I worked at Boeing for 8 years on various programs before our second daughter Caia was born.  I decided at that point to switch to being a Stay at Home Mom to take care of the kids. Now that our youngest daughter Elenna is entering full time school, I'm happy to be working again. 

I love to learn new things, either by reading about them or taking classes.  I really enjoy singing and participate at Peace Lutheran as a member of the Praise Team and have sung in choirs during college and at church in the past.  As all my children are young a lot of my time is devoted to taking them to different activities.  When I have some down time, I usually grab a book or play video games.

Please don't hesitate to let me know if there is anyway I can help you. You can e-mail me at Office@King-of-Kings.org or call the Church Office at 425-226-1480.  We have a Facebook page if you want to keep up with things at KOK.  http://www.facebook.com/KingofKingsRenton