Laura Carson is a Minister of Word and Service (Deacon) in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). She currently serves as Associate with the Bishop for Formation and Administration in the Eastern North Dakota Synod (ELCA). She received her B.A. from Wartburg College and Master of Arts in Religion from the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, SC. In 2018, Laura earned a certificate in “21st Century Faith Formation,” after two years of study. Laura has previously served at Peace Lutheran Church in Las Cruces, NM (2014-2021) and at First Lutheran Church and School in Torrance, CA (2008-2014). Laura is a trained coach and consultant primarily in the areas of Faith Formation. Laura has a variety of gifts and passions for ministry, including lifelong faith formation, collaborative and innovative ministry, and equipping the saints for ministry in daily life. Laura and her husband, Jared (ELCA Pastor), have two sons, and they enjoy hiking and exploring National Parks.