Pastor Rich Theilen grew up in the Twin Cities, graduated from Minnehaha Academy, earned a degree in economics from St. Olaf College, and spent several years in the oil industry. After sensing God’s call to ministry, he went on to graduate from Bethel Seminary and has served churches in Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and British Columbia, Canada. He also holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Sioux Falls Seminary, has served in many professional and community leadership roles, and taught theology at Solid Rock School of Discipleship.
His wife, Cheryl, is a native of Wooster, Ohio, a graduate of North Park University, and serves as director of administration for the Northwest Conference of the Covenant Church. They have one daughter who is an elementary school teacher.
In their “free time” they enjoy spending time at their farm in Southwest Minnesota, attending theater and other events, visiting family and friends, playing with their dog Katie, and traveling in North America and Europe.