Our History

Founded in 1893, the Milaca Evangelical Free Church continues to bring the people of our community and our world to life and growth in Jesus Christ. While the community has grown and changed, the message of the Gospel has not; nor have the core values ingrained into the church by its founders. We utilize newer methods of proclaiming the Gospel to people today who need to know and be transformed by Christ.

Our Future

In recent years we have experienced numerical growth, and are planning for ministry expansion. Because we believe that programs are the activities and events which intentionally help us reach our mission-focused goals, we do not always have everyone's "favorite" programs. Instead, we are on the exciting journey of discovering the kinds of ministries God wants us to develop. It's possible that God wants you to help us determine His will for our church. If so, we look forward to walking into an exciting future together.

Organization & Relationships

Our church is free (from any outside organization or group) to make our own decisions as we believe God's wisdom directs. A board of spiritual leaders called overseers leads our church. Under their direction, seven ministry teams lead our mission with the various groups that make up our congregation. Final authority, however, rests with the members of our congregation, who select these leaders to lead our autonomous congregation.

Recognizing that kingdom building ministry is often enhanced through partnerships and associations, we are associated with the Evangelical Free Church of America. The name "Evangelical" refers to our commitment to the Bible. "Free" refers to the way we govern our church affairs -- free to make decisions as we believe God's wisdom directs us. We minister interdependently with over 145 "sister" churches in Minnesota and more than 1,350 churches worldwide.

Pastor Dan Clausen

Dan and Maggie Clausen

Pastor Dan committed his life to Christ at an early age and felt the call of God to pastoral ministry while in high school. That call helped him choose a college and seminary for training. It also moved him to accept his first ministry assignment as youth pastor in his home church.

During his college years, Pastor Dan met and married Maggie MacDougall. She has been his partner in life and ministry for over 42 years. Together they have served Christ and raised two children and the delight of their lives today is being close to their four grandchildren.

Over the years, God has led Dan and Maggie into a variety of ministries - from being senior pastor of a rural church in Junction City, Ore. to a congregation in St. Cloud, Minn. From there, Pastor Dan served as the regional executive director of his denomination where he conducted leadership training, church planting and mediation. In the next chapter of the Clausen’s ministry, Dan served as president of Oak Hills Fellowship and Christian College.

In February 2008, God brought Dan and Maggie to Milaca, when he accepted the call to be the pastor of Milaca Evangelical. They both enjoy new friends, a caring community of believers, and a shared vision of what God wants this church to be and do in this community. Together they trust God to bring people to life and maturity in Christ.

Pastor Mike Johnson

Mike and Darlene Johnson

Pastor Mike and his wife, Darlene, have served at Milaca Free Church since 2000. As the associate pastor, his primary focus is community development. Connecting people to the opportunities for worship, growth and care give him fulfillment and purpose. The lost people of our community matter to him, thus his concern for evangelism.

Mike received his education at Moody Bible Institute, St. Paul Bible College (Crown) and Bethel Theological Seminary. He has served previously as an associate pastor in Grantsburg, Wis.; Anoka, Minn.; and Green Bay, Wis.

Mike and his wife have two married children and two grandchildren. When Pastor Mike is not in the office, he can be found cutting a tree for someone, connecting with the people of our community and deer hunting.

Pastor Spencer Sommerlot

Spencer and Jenny Sommerlot

Pastor Spencer grew up in rural northwest Iowa and felt a call to youth ministry while in high school. After graduating, he attended Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minn. where he majored in General Ministry, Bible, and Kinesiology. This is where he met and fell in love with Jenny. Following graduation in June 2009, they got married.

Both Spencer and Jenny have a huge heart for the Lord and what He is going to do in the lives of the youth in Milaca.

When Pastor Spencer is not at church he can be found hunting, fishing, working out, spending time with family and friends or attending local sporting events. He also began coaching and conditioning high school athletes and building relationships with them and their families.

Pastor Don Matheson

Don and Vivian Matheson

Pastor Don Matheson grew up on a farm in Wyoming, Minn. and married his wife, Vivian, in 1953. After attending college and Bible Institute, he was ordained into the Evangelical Free Church Ministry in 1960 in Stanchfield, Minn. Pastor Don has served churches in Minnesota and North Dakota. After returning to Milaca, Minn., he became chaplain of the Milaca Elim Home. Vivian has been a support in variety of roles through the years.

Don and Vivian continue to serve in the visitation ministry to senior citizens. When requested, Don also preaches in various churches throughout the area.

Don and Vivian live on a small farm. Now in semi-retirement, they enjoy caring for their garden and their family and friends who stop by. God has been good over the years to supply strength for a full and active ministry.