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Rev. Dave Christenson to serve Grey Eagle UMC and Peace United of Long Prairie

by


GE UMC Lay Leader
Bishop Bruce Ough of the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church has appointed the Reverend David Christenson as pastor of the Grey Eagle United Methodist Church and Peace United Church of Long Prairie, and acting on the behalf of the congregation the Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee has confirmed the Bishop’s intention.
Rev. Christenson will begin serving the churches on August 5, 2018, as an interim pastor for the next 11 months. Christenson grew up on a farm in the Benson area and has been an ordained ELCA Lutheran pastor for over 25 years. As an intentional interim ministry specialist, he has served congregations in Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota and Nebraska.
In addition to his ministry experience, he has over a dozen years of professional experience in the field of corrections and criminal justice serving as a probation officer and a counselor for the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
He brings to the pulpit a unique style of preaching that combines stories, visual aids, role-plays and the use of “surprise guests” to bring the gospel to life in new and exciting ways. He completed his Doctorate Degree in Ministry in 2008 with an emphasis on preaching. His leadership style is one of involving everyone in the process and open and honest communication with one another. He says he will bring energy and excitement to the congregations and challenge them in new and exciting ways.
When not engaged in ministry, Christenson likes to spend time with his wife and two adult daughters. He is an avid sports fan of the Minnesota professional teams and his beloved Mankato State Mavericks. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing and “double” golf.
His wife is an Advanced Practice Nurse at the VA hospital in Sioux Falls and teaches at Augustanna University in Sioux Falls.
All are welcome to join us for worship at either church—9 a.m. at Grey Eagle United Methodist or 10:30 a.m. at Peace United in Long Prairie. For more information visit geumc.org or find either church on Facebook.