Episode 33: Grace Wins: Kirk Havel

In this episode, I am honored to speak with my childhood pastor, Kirk Havel. I wanted to interview him because of the role he has played in my life and how he has reframed stories in my life, especially around God. Kirk has shown me how to live out the gospel and a lot of times when you live out the gospel, it isn’t always popular. He also showed me care, respect, love, and how I have the capacity to be a leader. He is an example of the kind of Christian I want to be.

Kirk was born and raised in Ohio - forever a Buckeye! He graduated from Capital University and Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. In 1968, he married Sandra Magsig, raising two sons - one a small business owner in Arizona and the other is a pastor in Indiana.  Kirk and Sandy are also blessed with four grandchildren. 

Following an internship in Portland, Oregon and seminary graduation, he served as pastor in Ohio and Michigan, assistant to the Bishop in Detroit working in the call process and conflict resolution, and the ELCA Church Council, before retiring in 2009 after 20 years at Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland, Michigan.

In retirement, he continues to provide pastoral support to congregations and for the past 12 years, distributes a weekly essay called JUST WONDERING where he attempts to connect faith and life from his own experiences. Given his coronary artery disease resulting in two heart attacks and two by-pass surgeries, Kirk exercises daily as part of his routine.