Rev. Paul Larson Named Advocacy Director for LEAN Ahead of Legislative Session
Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN) announces that Rev. Paul Larson, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Family in Carson City, NV, has been named to the position of Advocacy Director. He will serve as legislative advocate on behalf of Lutheran parishioners across the state of Nevada, reporting to the LEAN Policy Council. The 83rd Session of the Nevada Legislature convenes its 120-day biannual session on Feb. 3, 2025.
As a registered lobbyist, Rev. Larson will keep abreast of social justice issues facing individuals and families in Nevada, as well as issues relating to the care of creation. Under the Policy Council’s direction, he will monitor the introduction of relevant bills; advocate the LEAN position on issues with elected officials; conduct speaking engagements and/or workshops (in person or online) at a congregational level on active advocacy and participating in the legislative process; and perform various other outreach and advocacy duties, including helping plan a “Lobby Day” at the Nevada Capitol in February. He will also network with local, state, and national advocacy groups pursuing a similar public policy agenda, and, where appropriate, serve as a member on relevant state-level boards and coalitions.
As a body, LEAN operates under direction and with support of the Grand Canyon and Sierra Pacific Synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
“Over LEAN’s nearly three-decade history, we’ve always had strong, committed, spirit-led advocates to represent Christian principles in the halls of Nevada power,” says Vic Williams, longtime LEAN Policy Council member and current secretary/treasurer. “Rev. Larson is the latest in a long line of dedicated servants, and we truly look forward to working with him to further our mission, with the ELCA’s Social Statements as our foundation.”
Before being called in October 2024 as lead pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Family, Rev. Larson served as pastor at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in his native Salinas, CA, for two years; during that time he also served as Chaplain for Lutheran Campus Ministry of the Monterey Bay in Santa Cruz. Previous positions include Strategic Designer for Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Young Adult Ministry in Chicago, Illinois; Interim Youth Director for East Bay Lutheran Youth Parish in Oakland, CA; and Vicar at Advent Lutheran Church, Westminster, CO. He also brings a wealth of community organizing and communications experience to his new LEAN position.
“I was interested in this position because of today’s changing political landscape, and how people of faith respond to it,” says Rev. Larson. “There are plenty of issues in play for the upcoming session, from immigration to early childhood development to food insecurity, to addiction. How do we support families through these and other challenges? I look forward to representing congregations and LEAN as we advocate for all Nevadans.”
Rev. Larson holds an M.DIV from United Lutheran Seminary, Philadelphia, PA, and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Sociology and Political Science from Luther College in Decorah, IA.
To reach Rev. Larson, please email him at paullarson@leanforjustice.org.