Pastor Mike Nelson

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There are those who know their life's work is also their life's joy. There are those who get up in the morning and are excited about the day ahead because they know they have the best job in the world. There are those who are amazed that they get paid to actually do those things that they only thought they could do in their spare time. I am humbled that I can be one of "those" people. 

Seeing the church excited and motivated to serve God and each other is a thrill. Watching people connecting with people and the growth that happens in those moments is a rare privilege. 

I am honored and humbled to be able to work with the people of this church. I continue to think that the Swatara Church of God is one of the most gifted churches I have been able to be a part of.  When I was asked to be interim pastor back in December of 2006, I never thought God would call me to be here full time, in fact, it was the last thing on my mind. I was enjoying the dual opportunity to both work with challenged kids during the weekdays and Swatara evenings and weekends. But in the Fall of 2008 God did call me here as Senior Pastor and my wife and I and our empty nest, which once held three, have been blessed with a magnificent time of service.

My journey to Swatara started as a boy in Iowa, took me through seminary in Ohio, a couple of full time churches in Ohio and Pennsylvania and multiple other positions from a drug and alcohol center to a hospital and a few schools. Each step I took along the way was a wonderful learning experience, not always pleasant, but always giving me an insight, a lesson, a revelation, and perhaps something undefined as of yet, but waiting to be fully born. That Jesus has touched me and wrapped His arms around me and spoken words of encouragement and asked me to serve along with Him still astounds me. I pray that what I have been given I can live out and communicate in a way that is authentic and makes the Jesus I know real to the hearers He gives me.

Stop by and say hello. I'd love to share the joys and struggles of life with you and believe in that process there’s great potential we’ll grow to a deeper understanding of how much God loves us. 
Contact us by calling 717-564-6673 or emailing secretarycog@comcast.net