About Keith Carlson
Where did you go to school?
I grew up in the land of the fruits, nuts, and flakes (Southern California) and attended Redlands High School (Redlands, CA). I graduated from Wheaton College (Wheaton, IL) in 1989 and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Deerfield, IL) with a master's degree in 1992.
Tell us how you became involved with Grace
While at Trinity my wife and I heard about Grace, this strange anomaly of a church plant with 500 people on day one. After we planted a church (not nearly as successful) in Naples, Florida, we moved to South Bend, Indiana during an early mid-life crisis where I pursued a doctorate at Notre Dame for three weeks.
I then got a real job working for The South Bend Chocolate Company. We bought 2 franchises which brought us to Indy in 1997, whereupon we visited Grace and fell in love with the ministry. In 2000, I left my early mid-life crisis and sold the stores (much to the chagrin of my chocaholic friends and family) and came on staff with Grace directing our church planting efforts. Most recently I’ve been helping to lead Grace’s efforts as we launch people into God’s revolution through Frontline Ministries and short-term trips. In November, 2007 I was asked to serve as our Pastor of Outreach and Leadership Development.
What do you do around Grace?
Leading the wonderful Outreach and Leadership Development team, of course. Activities where we raise awareness of kingdom issues (weekly downtown outreach opportunities, Bag Hunger, Jireh backpacks, Christmas Catalogue, etc.), launch leaders into God’s kingdom (Frontline Ministries, internships, Leadership Summit, short term trips, etc.), and develop partnerships with ministries that are revealing God’s kingdom in amazing ways around the world (strategic partnerships).
Tell us about your family
My wife Rosalyn, a farm girl from Western Pennsylvania, and I have been married since 1990. We have three kids, Katie who was born in 1995, Andrew who was born in 1997, and Claire who was born in 1999. Each has surprised us with how unique they are!
What is your favorite movie of all time?
If I’m with my wife, any good, sappy, romantic, over-the-top chick flick. If I’m not with my wife, anything that makes me feel like a conquering hero that has music written by Hans Zimmer, like Gladiator.
What is your favorite TV show?
Mostly sports, and especially the Colts – those three hours always have to be blocked off in our house. As a family, I have to admit we were hooked on American Idol, but I’m quickly tiring of it (after six years). Top Chef may replace it as my favorite.
What is your favorite book?
My favorite authors I tend to revisit are C.S. Lewis, John Muir, and David Quammen (a nature writer).
Any special talents to share?
Way too many to share. You’ll have to discover them for yourself. I do like to golf, but it is certainly not a special talent, or I would be on the PGA tour.
Where is your favorite place to go on vacation and what is your favorite thing to do there?
Ahh, vacation. We do like to travel as a family. Camping up on Lake Michigan is a must in the summer. Hiking in any of my favorite three mountain ranges in the world: the Sierra Nevadas, the Rockies, or the Alps. And we also love visiting our extended family, since none live close by – either going to the farm in Western PA or my home in Southern California for family reunions on both sides of the family. The cousins still love being together, so we’re going to milk that for as long as it lasts!
