Jon Anderson

Pastor Jon Anderson serves as Director of Rural Ministry at Luther Seminary. He grew up on a dairy farm south of Belgrade, Minnesota (Between Willmar and Sauk Rapids). His ancestors came to this land in the late 1850s, and his family lives there to this day. His family farm is located on land that was the traditional homeland of the Dakota people.

In his early ministry he served at camps and congregations in Texas and Minnesota. He recently completed eighteen years of service as bishop in the Southwestern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA. As Director of Rural Ministry he provides leadership in the area of Luther Seminary’s Small Town and Rural (STaR) Ministry.

Anderson earned his M.Div. from Luther Seminary (1985) and a Bachelor of Arts from St. Olaf College (1981). He loves to garden and play with his grandchildren. Planting seeds, growing plants and walking with people as they grow gives him joy.