From the President
Services > President’s Office > From the president
Rev. Michael Von Behren
Rev. Dr. Michael Von Behren began his service as NOW District President on May 1, 2024. Prior to that, he served as pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Spokane, Washington, for 19 years (2005–2024); he also served as a vicar at Holy Cross while a student at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. Mike studied servant-leadership at the graduate level, earning a Ph.D. from Gonzaga University in the School of Leadership Studies. Mike’s Ph.D. research also focused on nonprofit founding in intercultural settings. Mike has a passion for proclaiming God's Word, for new ministry starts, and for connecting interculturally. He is eager to help people deepen their faith through the study of Scripture and to grow in their service and leadership on behalf of Christ. Mike and his wife Jennifer have two beautiful adult daughters. Together, Mike and Jennifer enjoy cool nights camping, steep trails, baseball in any form, Minnesota football, movie nights — and most especially, time with family.
“Helping Leaders Do Their Best Work Together”
What does the partnership between the District and a congregational ministry look like? Many people assume this is a question of authority, like “Who’s in charge?” But in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod authority isn’t a top down matter at all. Authority is found in the Word of God. The role of the Northwest District staff is one of influence and support. Our target is to help ministries identify their vision and their leaders, and then to help them do their best work on the ground in their local communities. We do this through coaching, personal encouragement, the development of resources, and the building of personal and professional networks, among other things. The Northwest District staff does, indeed, help leaders do their best work... together.
