Pastor Jay Dahlvang, Lead Pastor

Pastor Jay Dahlvang is the newest member of Bethlehem’s staff, beginning his ministry in October of 2009.  He is a graduate of St. Cloud State University and Luther Seminary.  He came to us from Salem Lutheran in Albert Lea.  Before that, he served as Pastor of Zion Lutheran, Felch, Michigan, Chaplain at Bethesda Lutheran Hospital, St. Paul, and Youth Director of his home church, Trinity Lutheran, Montevideo.   

He is married to Pastor Tammy Dahlvang.  Jay and Tammy have two sons:   James, age 11, and Nate, age 9.  His best times are playing with the boys, and walking with Tammy and their newest addition, Nellie, a White German Shepherd.  He loves the Gophers, Vikings, and Twins, and faithfully runs (albeit slowly), six days a week regardless of the weather.   

Pastor Jay says he is a pastor because he has seen and experienced the transformative grace and love of God through Jesus Christ in the lives of others, and his own life too. In 2008, he began serving as Synod Advocate for the ELCA’s Book of Faith Initiative, and is passionate in helping congregations and communities of faith in “Opening Scripture and joining the conversation.”

Pastor Jay writes, “It is a privilege to be invited to share the deepest joys and sorrows of God’s people, and to announce the good news of Christ’s presence, forgiveness, and salvation.  It is daunting, joyful, frustrating, and exhilarating to be a pastor!  I’m thankful to God and to those who have called me to be a part of their lives.  I can’t imagine doing anything else.”