Pastor Mark Olson
Mark Olson has served as pastor at Zion Churches since the fall of 2020. He and his wife Dawn (parents of four children and four young grandchildren) are highly appreciative of the congregations as well as the communities they represent. Many people might not think of ministry through the perspectives of adventures, connections, and dreams, but Pastor Mark loves to. Even though Mt Sion Lutheran and Zion Lutheran are both small congregations, he knows that significant ministry can happen when the focus is first on Jesus and then on the people Jesus deeply cares about (hint: this includes everyone).
Mark’s training included attending the Free Lutheran Bible College and Seminary. Beyond this he has also studied and received degrees from several other institutions, including earning doctorates from both the University of South Dakota and Knox Theological Seminary. Before coming to Zion Churches he has served Free Lutheran congregations in the following locations: northern Illinois, eastern South Dakota, the oil fields of western North Dakota, and a suburb of the Twin Cities. Pastor Mark also served in higher education at the Free Lutheran Bible College and Seminary. Throughout his life he has enjoyed learning in a variety of areas, especially when it can be applied to life and ministry in fun and engaging ways.
Not only does Mark enjoy having his faith stretched and deepened through different learning experiences, but he also likes to bring others along with in the process. This has involved day to day life and ministry experiences in the congregations that he has served, but it also has included many other things. As a young man he spent entire summers biking around Scotland and Ireland and helping lead groups of teenagers in ministry experiences as they traveled. Over the years he has either led or participated in numerous mission trips in countries like Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Brazil, as well as to needy locations in the United States. Mark has been involved with prison retreats where he, and the ministry group he was with, were locked up with the prisoners for the weekend. He has brought groups on a number of City Cultural Tours to help people see and experience the varied cultures and needs of the city. In addition, he has participated in and led a variety of wilderness adventure trips for both teens and people of all ages.
If you were to ask Pastor Mark what his hobbies are, he would probably say that it depends on the day. He has refreshed older Japanese cars (a mid-engined MR2 is his current favorite), enjoys cruises on his Stella (think vintage Vespa) scooter, likes hiking at Oxbow Park throughout the year, rides bikes (mountain, road, and single-speed), cross-country skis, canoes, kayaks, backpacks, and goes to the gym several times a week. He loves both ultimate frisbee, disc golf, pickelball, and enjoys camping during at least three seasons of the year.
Mark’s wife Dawn prefers joining with on some of the less rigorous activities and together they enjoy exploring, visiting various State Parks and other places of interest, finding new ethnic restaurants to dine at, spending time with family and loved ones, and playing board games together and with other people.
Still, the absolute best adventures always involve seeing God’s purposes and plans unfolding in the lives of people that God has created and cares deeply about. As a pastor, Mark is so thankful for the opportunity to be invited to journey with people as they grow in their relationship with Jesus. He finds it to be very meaningful to spend time with those facing the challenges of life as well as with those celebrating the blessings that God has provided. Pastor Mark cares deeply about helping equip people to follow Jesus and to serve people in the many varied vocations God has placed them in.
