Pr. Nikoli grew up in the Synod, is a graduate of Concordia College, Moorhead and of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. He served as pastor at Lutheran Church of Mahomet, IL; Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Peter; and now serves Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Henderson.
The search/interview team included Pr. Jon Dahl – Synod Personnel Committee, Pr. Kathleen Ulland-Klinkner – Our Savior’s Lutheran Church of New Ulm, Tommy Philaya – LYO Board, Pr. Heather Culuris, and Bp. Dee Pederson. Pr. Nikoli will begin serving in this part-time position January 1. He is excited to work with the LYO Board, especially as they plan for the Synod Sr. High Youth Gathering that will be held at Luther Crest March 10-11, 2023.
“I feel so honored to accept the call to the SW MN Synod as the Youth Ministry Coordinator. I grew up in the synod (Faith Lutheran Church of Becker, MN) and am so excited to serve the synod that raised me. Our congregations are home to some of the kindest, most innovative, and diverse young people in the ELCA—working with our LYO Board and our youth ministry leaders will be the blessing of a lifetime. With their leadership—and your help—we can together discern God’s vision for our collective future.”
-Rev. Nikoli Falenschek (he/him)
