Pastor Mike Carlson married Tammy, his best friend from High School, in Duluth in 1993. They have three young adult sons together, and two have followed in his footsteps by pursuing seminary degrees and heading into ministry. An undergraduate degree from the U of M, Duluth, followed by an MDiv from Wartburg Theological Seminary gave Mike the educational foundation for ministry work. Various roles have led Mike to where he is today—youth work, training other youth workers, and Associate Pastor. Mike moved from northern Minnesota to Birchwood when he answered the call to be Executive Pastor at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in 2008. He transitioned into the Lead Pastor role in 2014.

What drives Mike to share the Gospel? He says, “The message of grace that’s come to set us free compels me to share the Good News of Jesus with all humans. Because its creator deeply and passionately loves the world we are called to engage in deeply loving the world in return. If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed!”