ABOUT US

Lead Pastor - Mike Walsh

Mike Walsh has served as Lead Pastor of First Baptist Church of Pella since September 2024. Before joining First Baptist Church, he was on the pastoral staff at a church in Ames, IA. He is a graduate of Denver Seminary, where he earned a master’s degree in Christian Formation and Soul Care and currently serves as adjunct faculty, teaching in the Doctor of Ministry program. 

In addition to his pastoral work, Mike is a psychiatrist and runs a small private practice in Iowa, which has been full for several years. He has a strong interest in discipleship to Jesus and spiritual growth, using his unique blend of seminary and clinical perspectives to help explore how people can change for the better. 

Mike met his wife, Holly, in the library at Denver Seminary, and they live in Pella with their five young children. The Walsh family enjoys bike rides, fun local events, and traveling from state to state in their maxed-out minivan. 

Administrative Assistant - Karen Norton

Karen Norton is the face to be seen throughout the week. Karen brings varied experience with her. She has experience working in the administrative assistant role as well as public speaking. She has held pastoral positions as she is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. She has written and published a book, Overwhelmed. In the late afternoons/early evenings, Karen is an in-home music teacher, teaching children and adults how to play piano, guitar or voice. She has two adult daughters, Allie and Mackenzie. Allie lives in Kansas City and Mackenzie lives in Australia. Karen has a toy poodle, Layla, that has become the church office mascot!