Andrew Larsen- Interim Senior Pastor

(Kris and Andy)

Andrew Larsen spent a decade as a missionary in Taiwan and then another decade as pastor of Ebenezer Lutheran Brethren Church in Minneapolis. He has also walked alongside half a dozen churches through seasons of conflict resolution and reconciliation. Andrew is married to Kris. Together, they have three adult children. Andrew is so happy to be serving here in Rochester during this interim time.

By God's grace and under the authority and leadership of the True Life Elder Board, Andy Larsen, our interim pastor, will serve in the role of the lead pastor and preach the majority of Sundays, teach in Adult Education settings, and support the Call Committee and their process as a non-voting member.  He will also interact with various ministry boards and teams at True Life, plus handle pastoral visitation and care during his tenure.

Mark Johannesen- Associate Pastor

(Mark, Ella, and Wendy)

Pastor Mark, Wendy and Ella have been a part of True Life Church since 2018. Since 1998, Pastor Mark has had the privilege of serving at five other Lutheran Brethren churches in roles ranging from youth pastor to associate pastor to solo pastor. Mark is passionate about teaching and preaching God’s word, working with teenagers, and encouraging people to use the gifts that God has given them to reach this world for Jesus.  Mark is a strong supporter of international missions and that includes his being a part of the Borderless Mexico Mission Trips leadership team.

Mark grew up in New Jersey and New York but despite that is a huge Twins and Viking fan. In 1998, Mark graduated from Northwestern College in St Paul with a degree in youth ministries and during his senior year, he began serving on staff at a Lutheran Brethren church in Eagan, MN.

While serving in Eagan, Mark continued his education by completing a course of studies at Bethel Seminary. Then in 2004, Mark graduated from the Lutheran Brethren Seminary, and shortly after, he met Wendy, and they were married in 2005. 

Mark enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, playing and watching sports, fantasy sports, wood working, 80’s rock music, worship music, gardening, and much more.

Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.

Becca Carlson- Director of Worship and Administrative Assistant

(Lewis, Becca, Joy, and Ben)

Becca is from Rochester and has attended True Life Church most of her life. She is on staff as a part-time Administrative Assistant and Worship Director. Becca attended RCTC in high school through PSEO, and received her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Minnesota State University Moorhead, in the Spring of 2021. Becca has been a worship leader at True Life Church since 2017, and loves leading the congregation in worship. Becca and Ben moved back to Rochester in 2022, after both attending college in the Fargo/Moorhead area. They had their first child, Lewis, in 2023, and their second child, Joy, in 2026. They love being his parents and watching their kids grow and change.

Becca enjoys both listening to and playing all kinds of music. She sings, and plays guitar and piano. She loves cooking/baking, going to concerts, and watching sports...SKOL Vikings!

"And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." Mark 16:15