Pastor Bo grew up on a farm in Nebraska before graduating from Concordia University (then Concordia Teachers College) in Seward, Nebraska. His full-time service in ministry began in Lutheran outdoor ministry centers in Minnesota and Wisconsin. After being ordained at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula city of Marquette he also served Trinity Lutheran in Ironwood, Michigan and Hope Lutheran in De Pere, Wisconsin. In between serving in those congregations, Pastor Bo was the University Chaplain at Concordia University, Seward.
During his years of ministry he has had opportunity to serve in many community and church organizations. He has served on Camp Luther Wisconsin’s Board of Directors and was elected to the North Wisconsin District Board of Directors. On the district level he has been a Circuit Counselor and President of the North Wisconsin District’s 2012 Nominations Committee. He also has been involved with Kiwanis and Optimist clubs as well as various clergy associations.
Currently, Pastor Bo is enrolled in Western Seminary’s Doctor of Ministry where his dissertation will address closing a congregation in a way that advances the kingdom of God. He is fired up about communicating the passion and love of Jesus Christ with those who are being led by the Holy Spirit to a more vigorous discipleship. His ministry on the campus of Concordia University in Portland will be filled with hope, authenticity, and zeal.
His wife, Sonja, has been married to Bo since 1988 and is a consecrated Deaconess by the Lutheran Deaconess Association. They are proud parents of Rex and Taylor who are both beginning their respective careers in 2016. Their family interests lie in outdoor adventures, games, kayaking, reading, movies, and building projects.