Welcome to The Minnesota Baptist Conference Online

Meet Dan Carlson, Our New Executive Minister

It was my privilege to be raised in a Christ-centered home. My parents, Howard and Carol Carlson, taught us to love the Lord and one another. My father was a pastor and served in churches in Minnesota, Illinois, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. During my high school years we moved to southern California when Dad became the Executive Minister of the Southwest Baptist Conference. As a child, I have a clear memory of kneeling with my dad and praying to receive Jesus Christ as my Savior. This decision as a child led to my baptism by immersion when I was ten years old. Over the years I recommitted my life to Christ as challenges were heard at church camps, evangelistic meetings, and in other spiritual settings. It was in 1976 at Hume Lake Camp in California, as a teenager, where I sensed God calling me to full-time ministry. I openly acknowledged this at a chapel commitment service. This led me to Bethel College, where I graduated with a Business major and Bible minor in 1980. My formal pastoral training started with pursuing an M.Div. degree at Bethel Seminary, St. Paul. During these years I was fortunate to have the opportunity to serve as an intern at Wooddale Church, where I was licensed. A call to serve at Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church, Escondido, California, proved to be a significant opportunity, while completing my seminary training at Bethel Seminary, San Diego. Sarah and I spent a total of almost seven years in this challenging church ministry. It was there I was ordained. Serving there as Associate Pastor was xcellent preparation for the call which came to return to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and become the Senior Pastor of Faith Baptist Fellowship. These past 18 years of growth, challenge, and fruitfulness are some of the best days of my life and ministry. God gave us a great pastoral team, church staff, and committed lay leaders. Together, we saw God's work prosper and grow there. As a church we were blessed and honored to host the BGC annual Pastors' Prayer Gathering for the past 15 years. Each year God touched and encouraged pastors to renew their calling and rededicate their efforts in service for our Lord. The example of my father, Howard Carlson, and the mentoring of several BGC leaders has been invaluable. Serving in God's Kingdom is a humbling privilege. This new opportunity of serving Christ through the ministry of the Minnesota Baptist Conference brings me great challenge and excitement. Please pray for me and the onderful family God has given Sarah and me.

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