Meet Our Team

Pastor Joel earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2007. After spending several years working with disadvantaged youth, he began his pastoral formation at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. He graduated in 2016 with a Master of Divinity and was ordained as a pastor in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. His first call led him to serve a congregation in California.

In 2025, Pastor Joel joined Concordia Lutheran Church in Lakewood, bringing with him nine years of pastoral experience. He is deeply committed to serving God’s people and walking alongside them in faith. Outside of ministry, Pastor Joel treasures time with his family and enjoys sports, reading, and movies. He is excited to explore the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and discover all that Colorado has to offer.

I am a CU Boulder Alum (Go Buffs!) and I have worked in Early childhood education for the last ten years, working with all age groups.

I really enjoy guiding and helping kids explore their senses and language as well as enhance their curiosity for adventure. I am from a small town in Colorado, named Rifle, and have lived in Colorado my whole life. I have one kiddo, Jacob, who is a spitfire and full of love and energy.

In our free time you'll find us at the baseball fields, hiking in th mountains, paddle boarding or reading a good book. I also am very involved in my Church and truly believe that kids are our future. I look forward to buidling a wonderful relationship with your family and continuing to do the Lord's work within Concordia!

Rev. Dr. Michael Paulison, Ministry Director, has been in ministry for over 25 years. He began his ministry at Trinity Lutheran church in Sterling, CO where he served as lead pastor for 11 years.

He has been doing mission trips for over 20 years. He began when he was 18 after he recommitted his life to Christ by going from his home in New Jersey and participating in street ministry in New York City. His first overseas mission trip was 18 years ago to Haiti. His heart is to develop a short-term missions training school to more effectively use the tool of short term mission trips to impact the world and to train people to live as missionaries at home. He is currently the executive director of Mission Experience, which runs an orphanage in Port-au-Prince Haiti.