Meet Concordia Nebraska’s new Institute for Rural and Small-Town Ministries Director Harlan Anson CO ’02 CO ’05 GR ‘08

Concordia University, Nebraska recently announced that Harlan Anson CO ’02 CO ’05 GR ’08 has been named as the new director of the university’s Institute for Rural and Small-Town Ministries (IRSTM). IRSTM provides rural and small-town ministry educational experiences for Concordia undergraduate students as well as supporting and providing resources and consultation for rural and small-town congregations and schools, focusing on outreach and partnerships that enhance ministry in these unique and vital contexts.    

Anson said he found his way to Concordia Nebraska as a student thanks to his pastor and many of the great teachers in his life. He has a bachelor of arts degree, a bachelor of science degree in education, Lutheran Teacher Diploma and master of education degree in elementary administration from the university. He currently serves as principal and director of youth and outreach at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and School in Staplehurst, Nebraska. Anson is also a member of the Concordia Nebraska Alumni Council.

“[At Concordia Nebraska], I learned what it truly means to be a servant leader and to lead by example,” he said. “The friendships that I made have lasted forever, and also the relationships that I had and still have with professors and staff.”

When he was a senior in college, Anson decided he did not want to pursue teaching but still wanted a degree, so he pursued a career in golf course management. He was the assistant manager of the Seward Country Club and later moved to Friend, Nebraska to manage the Friend Country Club for almost two years. During that time, he and his wife – Concordia Nebraska University Events Manager Crissy Anson – welcomed their first child, Owen.

“When he was about five months old, he developed a seizure disorder. We used to have people come to our house that worked for the local educational service unit to help with his development. I know God puts people in your lives for a reason, and I remember watching this person help Owen, and I knew that I needed to go back to school, graduate and pursue the vocation that I was meant to do,” he said. “So I called up my old advisor and literally had to take one summer class and student teach to get my bachelor's degree in elementary education. I took my first call to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in school in Staplehurst, Nebraska as a part-time teacher and started working on my master's right away. The rest is history.”

Harlan and Crissy have two children: Owen and Olivia. When he’s not working, he loves spending time with family, playing golf, grilling, going for Jeep rides, and watching Husker athletics and Denver Bronco football.

Anson has served at Our Redeemer almost 21 years and said he loves every moment of small-town ministry.

“Many things have changed in the 21 years I've been here. When I first started teaching, we had about 35 students preschool through 8th grade. Next year, our enrollment should be over 80 students. We have built a brand new school building and a brand new gymnasium in the last five years. I am truly blessed by an amazing congregation that values Christian education,” he said. “Being a Lutheran school principal definitely requires you to wear many hats, but the thing I love the most is being with the students, whether that be in the preschool or Kindergarten classroom for show and tell, teaching third through fifth grade religion, serving lunches, telling amazing dad jokes during morning announcements, leading chapel, teaching eighth grade math or helping during the Sunday morning worship service.”

Anson said he simply loves his job.

“I think the most fulfilling thing is when former students come back and tell me ‘you made a difference.’ I just love to be able to share the love of Jesus with the students and families here at Our Redeemer,” he said.

Rooted in Concordia University, Nebraska’s mission, the Institute for Rural and Small-Town Ministries exists to support and strengthen the unique ministry of rural and small-town churches and schools. These communities are essential to the fabric of American life and the mission of the church. The Institute serves as a resource hub for current and future church workers, offering training, encouragement and support that speaks directly to the needs of those serving in less-populated settings. 

The Institute for Rural and Small-Town Ministries is sponsoring a Studia Vitae continuing education course called Parish Ministry in Rural and Small Towns which will begin September 8. Learn more and register here.