Pastor Eric Carlson

My name is Eric Carlson. Born on Long Island, NY, I spent most of my childhood in rural Vermont along with my sister, pony, dog, cat, rabbit, and a loving mother and father. After graduating from high school, I joined the National Guard and trained at Fort Knox on the M60A3 and M1A1 battle tank. I also attended the University of Vermont, where I earned a degree in Hospitality Management. This set me up for a job at Walt Disney World working in resort operations. Before that, I lived in Boston, where I met my wife Korie. We moved to Caribou, Maine, so that she could pursue a job opportunity. What a beautiful and snowy place! 

 

After several years, we moved to Florida. As mentioned previously, I began to work for Mickey Mouse in resort operations. I loved working in tourism, but a desire to teach led to a career change. I spent the next year as a Middle School Social Studies teacher in Orlando. 

 

Over the year that I taught, my interests continued to shift toward entering the ministry. This was encouraged by my wife and the Pastor of our church. I became heavily involved at church, teaching Sunday School, helping with the youth group and serving on the youth board. 

 

We left our house and jobs behind for an exciting new direction at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. I spent my year of vicarage at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Norwood Park, Chicago. After completing vicarage Our Savior called me as Pastor. After 5 wonderful years, I led Our Savior through a merger with another congregation to form Ascension Lutheran Church.

 

From Our Savior, God called me to serve at Peace Lutheran Church in McMurray, PA. After a short but fruitful ministry of about 2 years, God made it clear that He had plans for me in Hannibal, MO, so here we are! I have also served on the Evangelization Team for English District, as a counselor for the English District Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, and as a Stephen Ministry Leader.

 

Korie and I have five children. Korie is an Audiologist who earned her Au.D. in 2007. She is thankful to be a stay at home mom. Her support has been critical to my work as a pastor. Without her encouragement, I never would have entered the ministry.

 

We face the future with confidence, knowing that we have been redeemed, “not with perishable things such as silver or gold...but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:18-19). In the words of Isaiah, “by His wounds we are healed.” Blessings to you in Christ Jesus, our risen Lord!

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-Pastor Eric Carlson