As a young man, Mike enrolled in tech school, learned how to fix airplanes, and worked as a mechanic for a number of years. He then went on to college and earned a Bachelor’s in Physical Science Education with honors from St. Cloud State University, a Master in Education from SMSU, and a Master in Divinity from The King’s University. 

During his early college years, Mike found he really liked chemistry and physics. That discovery, combined with his natural aptitude for the sciences, led to a career in education where he taught high school and college level chemistry and physics along with some earth science, life science, STEM, and mathematics. For 12 years, he also served in the Army Reserve and National Guard (infantry) and rose to the rank of staff sergeant. 

Mike and his wife, Jill, both grew up in small town Lutheran churches (Jill in Starbuck and Mike in Glenwood). They have been youth leaders, Sunday school teachers, and volunteers in various other capacities. However, after joining Shalom Community Lutheran Church 12 years ago, Mike had a spiritual awakening in which his faith really became alive – so much so that his vocational focus took a significant shift. After teaching high school and college level chemistry and physics for over 25 years, Mike walked away from his teaching career and began serving as pastor of the congregation at Shalom.

One of Mike’s favorite ways to advance the Kingdom of God is through “faith talks” on science and faith. These include scientific demonstrations to help show people that faith and science are not mutually exclusive but that the fingerprints of the Creator are everywhere. He is thrilled to be part of SJA where he can openly share his passion for God and education, helping to build up students’ faith during their most formative years.

Mike and Jill have been married for 27 years and have 3 sons and 1 daughter. They have also cared for over 80 foster and respite kids over the years and are a host family for Safe Families for Children. In Mike’s spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, reading, and riding his old Victory motorcycle.

The Troens attend (and Mike pastors) Shalom Community Lutheran Church.