Stan Olsen
Executive Pastor @ Village Church
Favorite Bible character (other than Jesus) and why...
Elijah: He was one who increasingly became aware of God at work, even when he thought he was the only one left. He encountered both the thrill of great victory [over the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel, 1 Kings 18:16-46] and the agony of defeat in his fear of Jezebel and flight to Mt. Horeb [ 1 Kings 19:1-18]. Through it all, God grew him and used him for His Kingdom!
Date and place of birth...
Denver, Colorado on March 10 - the first son of a pastor and history professor.
Significant others...
I been married to Pat for 43 years. We have two children, Nate, currently engaged and pursing a career in church music, and Nisse, married to a medical student.
Ideal vacation...
Pat and I love to travel. We’ve ridden the rails throughout Europe, exploring the “nooks and cranies” of most of the current European Community. Of particular interest is getting to know the culture of an area, eating the specialties of that area and exploring “flea markets” in out of the way places.
If I had a different job, I would be...
I would love to be a travel planner. I find great delight is making the arrangements and determinations that can go into a wonderful trip, especially one that is overseas.
Childhood ambition...
As a youngster my ambition was to be either an administrative assistant of some type for a Congressman or Senator or a politician on the national level.
Biggest challenge...
My biggest challenge was leading a mature, vibrant congregation through a lengthy [4 years] Pastoral interim. In addition to these responsibilities I was teaching at Bethel Theological Seminary as an Adjunct, and editing a quarterly Christian Education periodical.
Life verse...
Joshua 1:9 Be bold and strong, banish fear and doubt, for the Lord your God will be with you…
What’s on my bookshelf?...
I’m a voracious reader! I read several books a month ranging from historical fiction, biography, leadership and management, finance and business, practical theology, travel, missions to periodicals of a wide variety of topics.
Favorite pastime...
Finding a new restaurant and savoring its offerings!
