Rev. Dr. Sidney Nelson, Interim Pastor
Dr. Nelson, an ordained pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is the interim minister of Christ the King as the church family participates in the transition process analyzing its needs and goals in preparation for calling a new minister. He follows the Rev. Karen Leedahl who retired Sept. 30.
“I feel privileged to have the opportunity of serving the congregation of Christ the King Lutheran Church. It is a vibrant congregation with many programs for members and a passion for worship and ministry,” said Dr. Nelson. “I am also excited about having the opportunity to participate in their many service programs. The congregation strives to meet the needs of those in our community.”
Dr. Nelson most recently was a staff pastor at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, Juno Beach. He’s also been an interim pastor in Miami Springs, Wellington, and Pompano Beach churches. Before moving to South Florida in 2007, he served St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Norfolk, VA, for 30 years. He also was a pastor in West Virginia.
Dr. Nelson is a professional pastoral counselor and has a counseling office in West Palm Beach. He received his doctorate in Pastoral Psychology from Boston University, Boston, MA. He studied theology and psychology in several graduate schools including Southern Seminary, Columbia, SC; Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, and the Rational Emotive Behavior Institute, NY, NY.
Dr. Nelson and his wife Sarah Valenti Nelson live in Lake Worth. They have three grown children. When possible, Pastor Sid and Sarah share their passion for international travel. Dr. Nelson spends much of his free time studying psychology and writing.
“I feel privileged to have the opportunity of serving the congregation of Christ the King Lutheran Church. It is a vibrant congregation with many programs for members and a passion for worship and ministry,” said Dr. Nelson. “I am also excited about having the opportunity to participate in their many service programs. The congregation strives to meet the needs of those in our community.”
Dr. Nelson most recently was a staff pastor at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, Juno Beach. He’s also been an interim pastor in Miami Springs, Wellington, and Pompano Beach churches. Before moving to South Florida in 2007, he served St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Norfolk, VA, for 30 years. He also was a pastor in West Virginia.
Dr. Nelson is a professional pastoral counselor and has a counseling office in West Palm Beach. He received his doctorate in Pastoral Psychology from Boston University, Boston, MA. He studied theology and psychology in several graduate schools including Southern Seminary, Columbia, SC; Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, and the Rational Emotive Behavior Institute, NY, NY.
Dr. Nelson and his wife Sarah Valenti Nelson live in Lake Worth. They have three grown children. When possible, Pastor Sid and Sarah share their passion for international travel. Dr. Nelson spends much of his free time studying psychology and writing.
