Christ the King was founded in 1955 when Pastor Milo Engelstad was called by the Evangelical Lutheran Church (Norwegian Synod) to develop a congregation in the new suburb of Bloomington. Due to a combination of Bloomington’s rapid growth and an earnest commitment to God’s mission, the congregation grew rapidly in its first two decades, and became one of the largest congregations of the American Lutheran Church (successor body) in the state of Minnesota. Throughout its history, this congregation has been strongly committed to music and the arts, faith formation for all ages, and both global and local mission. 

Leadership through the years.

Lead Pastors

  • Rory Philstrom 2016 – Present
  • Hans Lee 2008-2015
  • Morris Wee 2000-07
  • Kristine Carlson 2000-06
  • Kenneth DeFor 1986-99
  • Milo Engelstad 1955-86

Associate Pastors

  • Per Halaas
  • Maria Anderson Lippert 2018-2021
  • Kacey Hahn 2009-2015
  • Sarah Ciavarri 2001-06
  • Mark R. Olson 1994-97
  • Blair A’Hearn 1992-94
  • Timothy Tengblad 1987-00
  • Wayne Anderson 1985-90
  • Gregg Helland 1978-84
  • Kenneth DeFor 1978-86
  • James Schwartz 1971-79
  • Charles Von Fischer 1966-71
  • Reuben Groehler 1960-66
A Shelter for the Faithful
Four major building campaigns have been held, the first three of which included an expansion of the worship space. The fourth campaign, completed in the Spring of 2011, was for the purpose of enhancing the gathering space and improving the flow from worship space to the Social Hall, handicap accessibility, and an outdoor amphitheater.