Concordia Nebraska–trained educator and administrator Kendra (Honebrink) Gilmore ’08 to speak at LEA Convocation

Kendra (Honebrink) Gilmore ’08 first visited Concordia University, Nebraska on a high school choir tour. She immediately fell in love with the university’s small, inclusive environment and friendly campus community. 

“I knew that it was somewhere I would love to attend,” she explained. “Several of my teachers from Mayer Lutheran High School attended there and spoke highly of their experience. I had also heard great things about their education program. I was told that if you want to be in education, Concordia Nebraska is the place to go. Ultimately, I felt God’s calling to attend Concordia Nebraska.” 

Gilmore earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a concentration in classroom music from the university. 

“God calls us to serve wherever we are, in whatever we are doing, but He gives us so many gifts and talents to share with others,” she said. “I remember one of my first days in Intro to Education class being told that your calling is where God’s needs intersect with your talents. To this day, I look at how I can lean into my talents—and the talents of those serving with me—to make our school the best possible place we can.” 

During her time at Concordia Nebraska, Gilmore met some of her best friends, many of whom she remains close to today. Her favorite campus activities included choir, intramurals and Spring Weekend. She also credits her professors with providing instrumental guidance and support. 

“My professors helped me find my true passions and discover where God was leading me to serve. I started out in secondary education but quickly realized through aiding experiences that elementary education was where God was calling me,” she said. “I distinctly remember many conversations about servant leadership, vocation and God’s calling in your life. Yes, I learned how to teach, but also how to serve and be a blessing to those around you.” 

In addition to preparing her to teach, she said her time at Concordia also deepened her faith in Jesus Christ. 

“God blessed me with amazing professors, friends and opportunities to grow in my faith,” she said. “Up to that point, I had not been surrounded by people with such strong and passionate faith. It was truly a blessing to be a part of a community that walked together in faith during our years together.” 

Following graduation, Gilmore received her first call to Zion Lutheran in St. Charles, Missouri, where she taught sixth grade homeroom, kindergarten through fourth grade classroom music, and coached volleyball, basketball and softball (2008–2012). 

Her second call was to St. John’s in Corcoran, Minnesota, where she taught fifth grade homeroom, directed junior high choir, coached basketball, and served as technology coordinator. During that time, she earned her master’s degree in educational technologies and design from Concordia University Wisconsin (2014) and completed The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s School Leadership Development (SLED) program (2018). She served at St. John’s from 2012–2018. 

Gilmore now serves as principal at St. John’s Lutheran in Chaska, Minnesota. She completed the Van Lunen Program through Calvin University in 2021. 

“Your calling is where God’s needs intersect with your talents.”

“I have now been serving at St. John’s for seven years. When I first started, I was hired as a technology and math teacher, technology coordinator and principal,” she explained. “I felt called to step fully into the role of principal, and I loved that I was still able to teach students. As principal, I was tasked with growing our enrollment and providing stability for students, families and staff. In less than five years, our school population grew from 150 students to 275 students. From the beginning, we have worked hard to build on the strong foundation laid by many generations before us, strengthen our marketing and branding, improve our school and provide as much stability as possible. Together, we have created a warm and welcoming environment where students and families can truly make St. John’s their home. I still teach junior high math, which I love, but telling families all about who we are and walking alongside them as they enroll at our school is one of my favorite parts of my position.” 

She added that her goal every day as principal is to ensure teachers feel supported, families get their questions answered, and students feel loved. Her days are busy and full, and many end with the sense of having run a marathon, but she finds deep satisfaction in knowing the school provides families with excellent, Christ-focused education. 

Gilmore met her husband, Josh Gilmore ’08, at an LCMS Youth Gathering university meet-and-greet just before they both began their freshman year at Concordia. They have been married for 18 years and have three children: Addison, a high school freshman and competitive gymnast; Caden, a sixth grader who loves to sing and perform in theater; and Landon, a third grader who enjoys all sports and having his dad as a coach. The family enjoys camping, visiting National Parks, hiking, reading and spending time with family and friends. 

Throughout her career, Gilmore has attended and presented at Lutheran Education Association’s (LEA) annual convocation event. LEA exists to link, equip and affirm educators and workers in ministry for the purpose of building up the body of Christ. Professional development events include the triennial convocation and an annual conference for elementary and early childhood administrators. 

This year’s LEA Convocation will take place October 2–4 in St. Louis, Missouri, where Gilmore will present her session, 10 Practical Tips for Marketing Your School. 

“This session provides actionable strategies to effectively promote your church and school and engage your target audience,” she explained. “I’ll discuss how to showcase your church and school’s unique strengths, build community relationships and attract prospective families.” 

She said her tips are designed to enhance church and school visibility and reputation. Attendees will leave with a clear roadmap for creating a compelling marketing plan tailored to their school’s goals and values. 

“At LEA, I love being able to connect with other Lutheran educators who have the same questions,” she said. “I also love connecting with former colleagues and building strong relationships with my current staff.” 

The Lutheran Education Association links, equips and affirms educators and workers in ministry for the purpose of building up the body of Christ. Numerous Concordia Nebraska faculty, staff and alumni are presenting at or attending this year’s LEA Convocation.