Celebrate Pastor Paul:

Pizza Ranch

12443 Champlin Dr, Champlin, MN 55316

December 2nd from 11am-2pm

Dear MCC Community,

I have important news to share with you. Pastor Paul Olson has resigned from his position at Mill City Church. His last day was Nov 2nd. We trust his decision and the timing he feels is best as he discerns moving on to his next ministry opportunity. Paul wishes to convey his deepest gratitude to the staff, leadership, and congregation of Mill City (and previously Elim) for the years of friendship and fruitful ministry together. 

It’s hard to express how thankful we are for Paul and his leadership in these last 18 months during the adoption discernment and beyond. The Leadership Team is committed to supporting Paul and his family through this transition. We look forward to seeing where God will lead Paul next! I will be forever grateful for his leadership, humility, and courage to listen to the Holy Spirit.

It was not our intention for Paul’s recent sabbatical (September 1- October 23) to result in him making this transition upon his return. Please know that we will continue to pursue a sabbatical culture for our staff and pastors. A sabbatical is not designed as a break before someone leaves staff; this is a unique situation.

I know some of you have experienced tough situations in churches that may cause you to wonder if there was any wrongdoing or scandalous behavior when there is a staff transition. I assure you this transition was Paul’s choice because he felt it was best for him, not in response to any wrongdoing. 

After all the transition we have experienced, this can bring up questions and emotions. So I invite you to join me and some of the Leadership Team this Sunday, November 12th after each service in the atrium to bring any questions and to create space to pray for Paul. We seek to always be appropriately transparent while also respecting the personal privacy of our staff members. Also, I have reached out to the Global Impact Team to let them know that I will lead the team going forward since it is still just beginning. 

There is a celebration to visit with Pastor Paul, Heather and the kids on December 2nd from 11am-2pm. They requested we join in one of their family pastimes and a large party room has been reserved at Pizza Ranch in Champlin. Please mark your calendars to join us in thanking Paul for his years of service to both Elim and Mill City!

With you,

Pastor Steph on behalf of The Leadership Team