Author: marcusjcarlson

We are offering one of our most popular seminars in an online format for the first time, Generational Understanding! Generational Understanding Seminars There is a great divide between generations in many ways. We will explore the nature of generational differences, examine each of the generations in the world today and consider how to best understand […]

My name is Marcus Carlson and I am a pastor. For more than two decades I have served in a variety of church and other ministry settings in intern, interim, part and full time capacities. At the end of 2019, I left full-time church ministry work. I felt God calling me to use my gifts […]

April 15, 2020. I type these words in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, a season that is in many ways unprecedented. It is a time of great uncertainty, fear, change, grief and so much more. It is in many ways unfamiliar territory as communities, schools, businesses and entire countries are shutting down. People are […]

As I have been thinking and reflecting, particularly during long walks listening to podcasts, music as well as embracing silence, I thought it might be valuable to share some of my reflections on five particular feelings: pain, suffering, lament, fear and grief. For each I want to share a working, but perhaps limited definition. I […]

February 2, 2012 is a day I will never forget, a day that changed my life and ministry forever. The message shared that day on sabbath dramatically impacted my life, my relationship with Jesus, my family and my ministry forever. I was a classic workaholic pastor. I took time off and relaxed, but I never […]

These are strange times we find ourselves in. Covid-19 has changed our way of life, especially as it relates to the church and worship.  I left my full time pastor position at the end of 2019 for the health of my family. When I did so I knew there would be things that I would […]

A repost of an article I wrote several years ago for the Fuller Dmin Burner Blog… The Wizard of Oz was one of my favorite movies as a kid and I see its reemergence as something worth noting. Recently I found myself reflecting on three of the characters from the original movie and realized each […]

On May 29 at 2pm, I begin sabbatical. It is the first of my career and something I have been waiting for and looking forward to for a long time. I need it. I deserve it. I have earned it. I will be gone 9 weeks total, 6 weeks of those sabbatical, 2 of them […]

I will be leading a pilgrimage to Israel in October of 2020 with optional tours afterwards. This is a fantastic trip, one I have experienced as a participant and a leader. You can join us from almost any airport in the United States. Click the links below to learn more! Email me Israel Brochure Israel […]

I often get asked  why it is that I love orange so much. When I am asked, I generally offer one of a couple responses, but decided that it would be fun to write a blog about why I enjoy the color orange so much. I have always liked the color orange. It is vibrant, […]