gracemankatopastor
My blogs
| Industry | Religion |
|---|---|
| Occupation | ELCA Pastor |
| Location | North Mankato, Minnesota, United States |
| Introduction | Dr. Olson retired in March of 2025 after completing a call as Interim Lead Pastor of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Faribault, MN and is serving as Faculty Dean for the Lutheran Transitional Ministry Association. Prior to that, he served the congregations of Christ, Preston, MN (2022-23); Good Shepherd, Wells, MN (2021-22), Grace, Waseca, MN (2019-2021), Grace, Mankato, MN (2010-19), Central, Winona, MN (2000-10) and St. Paul, Chatsworth, IL (1996-2000).Olson earned a BA in Psychology from Gustavus Adolphus College, an MDiv. from Gettysburg (PA) Lutheran Theological Seminary, and a DMin. in Congregational Mission and Leadership from Luther Seminary (St. Paul). The subject of Dr. Olson’s thesis involved identifying and engaging missional church leadership for the Southeastern Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Preceding the call to ordained ministry, Olson worked in retail management. As a layperson, he served several churches in various leadership capacities. These experiences, including his own faith struggles as a young adult, that provide a lens for parish ministry. Olson continues to be amazed at how God meets us where we are in our journeys of faith. |
| Interests | Olson is married and, with his wife, Cindy, has two adult daughters who are both teachers. In addition to being a parish pastor, he enjoys spending time with his family, reading murder mysteries, playing golf, and doing crossword puzzles. |