08/15/2026
Pastor Michelle Elfers brings a rich combination of pastoral experience, education, creativity, and community involvement to her ministry. She earned her Master of Divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary and also holds degrees in modern languages, law, and anthropology.
Since 2006, Pastor Elfers has served Lutheran congregations in Kentucky, Indiana, and Wisconsin. She currently serves St. John’s Lutheran Church in Richland Center, where she has been pastor since 2019. Throughout her ministry, she has focused on preaching and worship, pastoral care, youth and family ministry, ministry with seniors, and community outreach.
Pastor Elfers describes her preaching as Biblically centered, seeking to connect faith in Christ with the experiences and challenges of everyday life. She believes worship should involve the entire congregation and enjoys incorporating storytelling, teaching, music, technology, and participation by people of all ages.
Youth and family ministry has been an important part of her pastoral work. She has encouraged young people to take active roles in worship and congregational life, developed creative faith-formation programs, supported mission trips, and worked to strengthen confirmation programs. Her goal is to help children and youth understand that they are an important part of the church today as well as its future.
Pastor Elfers also places a strong emphasis on ministry with older adults. She values the faith, wisdom, and experience senior members bring to a congregation and has provided worship, pastoral care, and ministry opportunities in nursing homes and other care facilities.
Community involvement is another important part of her ministry. She believes the church is called to reach beyond its walls, build relationships, care for neighbors, and find meaningful ways to serve the wider community.
Through her varied experiences and gifts, Pastor Elfers brings a strong commitment to serving people at every stage of life. Her ministry seeks to strengthen faith, encourage fellowship, welcome participation, and help congregations discover new opportunities to share Christ’s love through worship and service.
