Rev. Michael Conklin (Pastor Mike) was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan and attended Capital University and Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Bexley, Ohio. He has been a pastor for 37 years and served 5 congregations. He is an experienced Mission Developer and constructed two churches and been involved in transformational ministry for most of his career. He has been married to Michelle, his wife for 42 years and they have three daughters. Monica who graduated from Capital University in Bexley, Ohio and the University of Denver. She is a School Counselor for Great Lakes Academy. Megan and Marisa are twins. Megan graduated from the College of Wooster and works at the college of Wooster as an Assistant Director of Annual Giving. Marisa is a graduate of Ferris State in Michigan, she is attending Western Michigan University working on her master’s degree while working as a Social Worker. Pastor Mike is an avid fisherman and love Walleye and Perch fishing and is known to be a Musky hunter too. He plays guitar and bass and can be heard regularly playing in worship. He is currently working on forming a praise band. In his former life he worked for Ford Motor Company, Bill Knapp’s Restaurant, Meijer, and has worked as an Auto Mechanic, Plumber, Electrician and Luthier.

    He comes to Zion from Mamrelund Lutheran Church in Kent City. Michigan. Prior to that call he was at Rejoice in Hudson, Ohio where he served 15 years as a Mission Developer and led them through the construction of a new building in 2008. He also served at Zion Lutheran Church in Wooster, Ohio. He has been actively involved in Synodical activities and committees throughout his career and feels strongly about community involvement. In his 37 years of ministry, he has been involved and served on various community boards, committees, and foundations.

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    Pastor Mike brings enthusiasm and energy wherever he goes and He is excited to be at Zion and see where the Spirit of God is going to lead us and always trusts that God’s got this!