I am pleased to serve with the people of St. Paul Lutheran as we are shaped by the grace of Jesus Christ.  My passion is in preaching and teaching this freeing Gospel, and I believe that a community that is shaped by this grace is vital and healthy.  As God's people, we are on a journey together, and I suggest that two questions for this journey are:  "What is God doing?"  and "How can we be a part of that, here and now?"  Life in faith is an adventure that calls us to trust and to care for others along the way.

I have been a pastor at two congregations in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, serving for 12 years at Faith Lutheran in Coon Rapids and for 22 years at Lutheran Church of Peace in Maplewood, Minnesota.  I grew up in Charles City, Iowa, and graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa (with a BA in sociology) and from Wartburg Theological Seminary, in Dubuque, Iowa (Master of Divinity).  Continuing to learn and grow is important to me, and taking time to read, reflect, and pray keep me growing as a Christian and as a pastor.  My hope is that I can stay tuned to the ways that God is at work in my life and in the church I serve.

My wife, Judy, and I are the grateful parents of three adult children, all of whom are either working or studying out of state.  We currently live in Woodbury, and enjoy walking and biking as well as some of the cultural opportunities of the area.  An occasional concert, play at the Guthrie or movie are some of our favorite things to do.  I like to garden a bit, and enjoy most sports, particularly Twins baseball and Gopher basketball.  But, most of all, it is my joy and privilege to be in partnership with the people of God, seeking to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

I welcome any and all to give me a call (or email mbecker@stpaullc.org) or come in to talk about faith questions or concerns.  Life and faith (including doubts) are meant to be shared in the spirit of Grace.