Tuesday will mark the official resignation of Pastor Rob Olsen of Becker Baptist Church.

Olsen plans to continue to work part-time through July and August to help the transition to a new pastor, but also plans to travel around the country and find volunteering opportunities that line up with his and his wife Caroline’s passions and interests.

Olsen first took the reins at Becker Baptist back in 1992. His wife Caroline has been a teacher in the Becker Public School system for most of those years.

“My first day of work was August 17th,” said Pastor Rob. “My family remained in Willmar until we moved into our newly-built home in Becker the beginning of September.”

Olsen said God called him to ministry after he graduated with a degree in biology from Bethel College. He then went on to earn a Master of Divinity degree from Bethel Seminary in 1980 and was called to work at Mona Shores Baptist Church in Muskegon, MI where he served as youth pastor and director of Christian education for 4.5 years.

It was there that he met and married Caroline Turnwall and the two had two wonderful daughters in Sarah and Christine.

Eventually, the Olsens made their way to Willmar where Rob found an associate pastor-ship job at First Baptist Church. He stayed on there for 6.5 years until he got word Becker Baptist in Becker was looking for a lead pastor.

Malcom Olson was on the selection committee in 1992, looking for a permanent lead pastor.

“We had 20 or so applicants and we narrowed it down to four eventually,” said Malcolm. “Rob was at the top of the list from the beginning and he was impressive even in his interview and with his testimony.”

Malcom and the rest of the selection committee had already pretty much made up their minds they wanted Olsen, but they made the trek one Sunday to Willmar to hear him live from the pulpit.

“We could see his excellence right away and we could tell he was a natural born leader,” said Malcolm. “He has that ability to bring people together and he always set an example for others.”

After Rob was offered the job and accepted the position, it was time for he and his family to make the transition from Willmar to a city with less than 1,000 people in it.

“When I got the call and we moved to Becker, we immediately fell in love with the community,” Olsen said. “We could tell they had a strong school system, a steady stream of tax revenue (Sherco) and it was a family-focused community.”

At that time, Christine was entering third grade and Sarah was just starting her formal education in Kindergarten. Caroline was a stay-at-home mom.

“My wife and I hoped and prayed that we would be able to stay long enough in order for our children to graduate from Senior High,” Rob said. “Well, they did, and I’ve continued in my role as pastor for the past 28 years. It has been so good!”

Over the years Rob has been a member of Chamber of Commerce, the Community Education Advisory Council, the school Hall of Fame Committee, The Safety Camp Committee, and the Expo/Celebrate Becker Committee.

“I met Rob Olsen in 1996,” said congregant Greg Pruszinske and current Becker CA.

“Our first meeting was a brief introduction as he welcomed our family to the Becker community and he extended an invitation to us to attend Becker Baptist Church (an invitation we did accept and are members of the BBC to this day). Rob is intelligent, motivated and cares deeply about people. He quietly goes about his work and doesn’t expect accolades.”

Rob’s social energy and approachability are what most people think of when they think of Olsen. His youthful enthusiasm and ear-to-ear smile are contagious and he has built strong friendships with parishioners, neighbors and colleagues.

“The people of this church and this community have embraced and loved us so warmly,” Rob said. “I have had the privilege of getting to know them and walk with them through the joys and sorrows of their lives. I count as dear friends so many whom I have pastored.”

Olsen was born in Philippi, WV, but grew up in Roseville, MN where he attended Ramsey Senior High and graduated in 1976.

His wife, Caroline is a reading specialist at the intermediate and middle schools in Becker. Their eldest daughter, Christine is an auditor/accountant in the Twin Cities and younger daughter, Sarah is a hospice social worker, also in the Twin Cities.

Olsen’s staff at Becker Baptist consists of eight shepherds. Assoc. Pastor Nate Bucher will be the “acting” pastor until the board decides on a replacement. Youth Pastor Kevin Drehmel has been around since 2014 as well as his wife, Amy, who has been the director of ministry to children and families since 2018.

Secretary Terri Mason has been attending BBC with her family since 2004 and custodians Marilyn Arthur and Lora Meisner have been part of the church for many, many years. Reg Sachs serves as building supervisor and he and his wife, Kathy have been part of BBC since 1991. He has also served as music and worship leader and considers Rob a dear friend.

“Anybody who has been lucky enough to know Pastor Rob is blessed,” said Reg. “He has made me feel important and I feel I’m a better person having known him for so long.”

Approximately 500 people call Becker Baptist their home church with about 225 attending services on Sunday. Olsen also has dozens of faithful volunteers every week who dedicate loads of time and effort to keep the church business running smoothly.

“I always say, you can’t run a church without volunteers,” Olsen said. “Becker Baptist Church has seen the blessing of hundreds of solid, loving and caring people walk through its doors.”

“Rob has always impressed me as a community leader,” said Pruszinske. “He has always been a great point of contact for all of our local churches. He has worked tirelessly to promote Becker churches, business and the greater Becker community. He will be missed at the BBC pulpit every Sunday.”

The BBC Board consists of Cory Walsh, Terri Mason, Cortney Asher, Tim Erickson, Reg Sachs, Trevor Holm, Sue Halvorson, Steve Roemer, Steve Kollman, Lynel Johnson, Malcolm Olson, Nate Bucher and Pastor Rob Olsen.

“Rob is not just a big part of our church, he is a big part of our family,” said congregant Virginia Johnson. “People from other churches come to him for counseling. He’s always reaching out and willing to meet new people.”

In 2017, Pastor Rob’s flock gathered at the church to throw him a party to celebrate his 25 years at the helm of the church. Hundreds showed up to show their appreciation for a man who has influenced so many.

“It is a huge transition to retire and to no longer have the same sort of contact and relationship with such a special group of people,” said Rob. “I will miss that.”

“As God allows, Caroline and I plan to enjoy visiting places around the country. We look forward to finding just the right volunteering opportunities that will use our passions and gifts and give us satisfaction. We will enjoy maintaining our property and likely help our daughters with projects.”

“And I’m certain that God has some surprises in store for us. We will look to Him to guide our steps and use our talents for His Glory.”