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Mark Abelsen

@markabelsen

Lead Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Spring Grove, creating seasonal preaching series and meaningful worship.

At Trinity Lutheran Church, Spring Grove, I preach weekly and create thematic preaching series for each season of the church year. I also work with staff and lay leaders to shape worship and build a community rooted in Lutheran theology.

I create and teach annual Old and New Testament Bible study curricula for 100+ participants, and lead small-group Bible study at a senior living community. My pastoral work also includes visiting people in need, confirmation activities, weddings, funerals, and administering Communion and Baptism.

Previously, at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Excelsior, I oversaw music programs and directed choirs, while planning seasonal worship and conducting choral and orchestral works. I also served as musical director for annual full-length musicals and supervised staff.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Music Director/Vocal Coach

Current

Minnetonka Theatre

Jan 2019 - Present (7 years 8 months)

Served as Music Director and Vocal Coach for numerous productions, including Bright Star, The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Light in the Piazza, Chicago, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Mamma Mia, Little Women, Guys and Dolls, Cabaret, The Sound of Music, and The Addams Family.

Music direction Vocal Coaching Musical Theatre Piano

Associate Pastor of Worship and Music

Mount Calvary Lutheran Church

Jan 2006 - Jan 2024 (18 years)

Supervised outreach and music programs, directed multiple choirs, and conducted major choral and orchestral works. Planned festival worship services and served as primary pianist for contemporary services.

Worship Planning Choral Conducting Piano Music direction Staff Supervision Outreach Partnerships Global Missions Vocal Coaching Event Planning

Accompanist

Minnetonka High School

Jan 2006 - Jan 2023 (17 years)

Provided piano accompaniment for school performances.

Piano Accompaniment Music Performance

Glocal Musician Educator

ELCA Global Mission Unit

Jan 2006 - Jan 2018 (12 years)

Led workshops, clinics, synod assemblies, and conferences throughout the U.S. and abroad, focusing on implementing global music in worship.

Workshop Facilitation Global Music Worship Education Worship Leadership

Piano Lab Instructor and Chorus Director

MN Boychoir

Jan 2004 - Jan 2018 (14 years)

Instructed piano lab and directed chorus for SingMN summer camp. Served as Assistant Director for three seasons.

Piano Instruction Choral Direction Music Education

Lead Pastor

Trinity Lutheran Church

Oversee and lead all worship and music activities of the congregation. Supervise a staff of 5 employees and cast vision for creative, engaging, meaningful worship.

Leadership Preaching Teaching Worship Planning Staff Supervision Pastoral Care Bible Study Liturgy Community Building Curriculum Development

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Luther Seminary

Master of Divinity, Divinity

Grade: 3.8

Activities and societies: MDivX Cohort 3 (2-year accelerated program); CPE Certified

Completed the MDivX accelerated program and earned a Master of Divinity. Achieved a GPA of 3.8 and is CPE certified.

Augsburg College

Bachelor of Music, Music

Activities and societies: Hognander Scholar; Leland B Sateren Choral Scholarship; Concerto Aria Competition Finalist

Earned a Bachelor of Music with focus on Piano Performance, Choral Conducting, and Chamber Music. Recognized as a Hognander Scholar and recipient of the Leland B Sateren Choral Scholarship.