Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Before being called to Bethlehem in 1994, Chris Nelson served on the staffs of St. Philip the Deacon, in Plymouth, MN and Incarnate Word, in Rochester, NY.

Raised in Philadelphia, Chris is a graduate of Ithaca (NY) College and has earned degrees at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (M.Div.) and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (D.Min.). He is married to Deborah Carbaugh, who is on the Music Faculty (voice) of Hamline University, and they have two children: James, a musician, and Alison, a student at Ithaca College.

Chris teaches Purpose Driven Workshops across the United States and in India. Community work includes Habitat for Humanity, and the Fairview Hospital System Board, serving on the Governance Committee. He also serves on the Ebenezer Society Board.  He serves on the Minneapolis Area Synod Consultation Committee and as leader of a pastors' small group. Hobbies include tennis, reading history and historical fiction, music of all kinds and travel with his wife and children.

Favorite movie:  The Princess Bride What I'm reading:  Lords of the North by Bernard Cornwell; Kiss Theory Goodbye by Bob Prosen Mentors: Pete Kairo, an awesome guitarist who was my teacher in Boston; Tim Lull, ethics professor in seminary; David Hoffman, colleague and supervisor for 13 years. Best Gift I Ever Received: After Jesus, my wife, Debbie.