Rev. Michael W. Galica, DMin
Summary
A progressive pastor with over 15 years of ministerial experience, blending practical theological knowledge with technical skills. Passionate about connecting the church and community together, helping Christians to bear witness to the reign of God—in which all people are loved, welcomed, and have their needs met. Exploring evangelism in a post-Christian context and seeking to model an understanding of evangelism as an invitation into Christian community: a space for people to find belonging and welcome through the love of God shown through the church.
Education
Doctor of Ministry, Missional Leadership Focus
- Pittsburgh Theological Seminary; Pittsburgh, PA; May 2025
Project Title
- “Transmissions from the Bunkered: Insights into Evangelism in a Post-Christian era from the Spiritual Stories of Apatheist Members of an Online Community”
Abstract
- In a Post-Christian era, increasing numbers of people are apathetic to the existence of deity. This project explores the spiritual stories of apatheistic members of an internet community. From their stories, I offer an understanding of evangelism based in community.
Readers
- Dr. Scott Hagely, Dr. Tucker Ferda
Award
- The Richard J. Rapp Award in Doctor of Ministry Studies
Master of Divinity
- Salt Lake Theological Seminary; Salt Lake City, UT; May 2009
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, cum laude
- University of Tulsa; Tulsa, OK; May 2004
Fields of Interest
- Missional Ecclesiology and Evangelism
- Post-Christianity, Secularization, and Apatheism
- Hospitality, Welcome, and Christian Community
Professional Experience
Pastor
Congregational Church of South Hero; South Hero, VT; November 2025–Present
- Developing discussion groups to grow both theological knowledge and community interaction
- Deepened congregational faith through preaching which connected historical context to present circumstances
Pastor
St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church; Saxonburg, PA; January 2022–June 2024
- Grew the congregation’s ministry to its neighbors through involvement in Saxonburg-area community events
- Laid the foundation for a process of discerning God’s calling for St. Luke’s alongside church staff and lay leaders
- Involved in community groups, including Sarver-Saxonburg Clergy Leadership Network and Butler Clergy Network
Pastor
Holy Cross Lutheran Church; Brigham City, UT; June 2009–November 2021
- Planned and led yearly events including inter-denominational worship services, youth summer camps, and district conventions
- Successfully integrated contemporary music in a traditional worship context, including overseeing audio and video upgrades to improve accessibility
- Supported formation of a community garden for the church’s neighbors to grow their own food
- Member of panel discussion for Bear River Prevention Conference: Our Community & Opioids (March 2019)
Pastoral Intern
St. Olaf Lutheran Church; Fort Dodge, IA; January 2007–December 2007
- Produced newsletter series highlighting the history and Biblical origins of the Lutheran liturgy.
- Co-led high school mission trip to Nashville, TN
Teaching Experience
“Sinful Thoughts” February 2026–March 2026
Congregational Church of South Hero; South Hero, VT
- 5-week course exploring understandings of sin and atonement in Scripture from a lens of impurity
“Listening for God’s Word” February 2023–March 2023
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church; Saxonburg, PA
- 5-week course encouraging attendees to hear different perspectives within Scripture, focusing on the book of Jonah
“Lutheran Basics” October 2022–November 2022
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church; Saxonburg, PA
- 7-week course addressing the basics of the Bible and Lutheran theology
“Timothy & Titus” September 2021–November 2021
Holy Cross Lutheran Church; Brigham City, UT
- 9-week course studying the pastoral epistles.
“Acts” September 2020–March 2021
Holy Cross Lutheran Church; Brigham City, UT
- 27-week course on the book of Acts
“Luke” September 2019–April 2020
Holy Cross Lutheran Church; Brigham City, UT
- 28-week course on the book of Luke
Publications
- Michael W. Galica. “March 5,” in 2026 Lenten Devotional, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, 2026.
Presentations
“Evangelism in a Post-Christian Era” March 5, 2024
Thorn Creek UMC; Butler, PA; Lenten Lunches
- Reframed evangelism as a regular part of a Christian life that proclaims who God is rather than as a set of specific practices
Other Experience
Audio Consultant
Maskil Audio; Multiple Locations; 2017–Present
- Provide live sound consulting to churches and other organizations, including audio system design and tuning, training for volunteers, and system maintenance
Assistant Programmer/Analyst
Jordan School District; West Jordan, UT; February 2008–June 2009
- Responsible for implementing Medicaid billing software.
- Provided second level technical support with a focus on document imaging.
Leadership and Service
Vice-Moderator
- Champlain Association, Vermont Conference, UCC; 2026–Present
Member
- Champlain Islands Food Shelf Board; 2025–Present
Chairman of the Board
- Christian Counseling Centers of Utah; 2012–2026
Secretary
- Sarver-Saxonburg Christian Leadership Network; 2023–2024
Member
- Brigham City Public Utility Advisory Board; 2020–2021
Chairperson
- Brigham City Citizen Corps Council; 2019–2021
District Coordinator
- Intermountain West District of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ; 2018–2021
President
- Box Elder Interfaith Council; 2011–2021
Interfaith Representative
- Brigham City Citizen Corp Council; 2015–2016, 2018–2019
Interfaith Representative
- Brigham City Youth Empowerment Team; 2011–2012
Professional Development
Ministering with People with Disabilities Training
- UCC Disabilities Ministries Network; March 2025
Authorized Ministers Racial Justice Training
- Rev. Dr. Diane Weible, Enkei Resolutions; March 2025
Authorized Ministers Boundary Training
- Rev. Dr. Diane Weible, Enkei Resolutions; February 2025
UCC Identity and Traditions: Nurturing a UCC Identity
- Rev. Dr. Toni Hawkins; July 2024
Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ Conflict Coaches Training
- Rev. Perry Fruhling; August 2020
Skills
Ministry Skills
- Clear and concise preaching based in Scripture with application to contemporary life
- Experience teaching adult and youth classes (e.g., Bible studies, confirmation)
- Community involvement and leadership
- Comfortable in traditional, contemporary, and blended worship styles
Technical Skills
- Live audio system design, tuning, maintenance, and training, specifically in house of worship contexts.
- Experience with graphic design for print and web
- Excellent computer skills, including multiple operating systems and productivity software suites
Other Skills
- Fast, self-motivated learner
- Multi-instrumentalist (drums, bass, guitar, piano, and voice)
- Well-honed ability to pack a trailer (developed through years of experience with youth camps and retreats)
Ministerial Standing
Champlain Association, Vermont Conference, United Church of Christ
- Authorized Minister; 2025–Present
Pittsburgh Association, Penn West Conference, United Church of Christ
- Authorized Minister; 2024–2025
Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ
- Certified Pastor; 2009–2025
North American Lutheran Church
- Ordained Minister; 2019–2024