5 questions with Christ Church Cathedral's Steve Carlsen

Steve Carlsen is a man who’s living his faith.

Carlsen joined Christ Church Cathedral in 2007 as dean and rector — for Episcopalians, the equivalent of a senior pastor. Ministry was something of a departure from his original career aspirations of teaching, but he finds parallels between the two professions.

“I thought I would be an academic; I thought my questions were intellectual,” he said. “As it turned out, they were personal. As my values and commitments became more clear, my life took a different turn, and I started working in religious communities and neighborhoods. I still teach, but in the context of a congregation rather than in a school.”

Because of Christ Church’s location on Monument Circle in Downtown Indianapolis, Carlsen believes his congregation has a responsibility to model the kind of community that city leaders are striving to build, especially in fighting rhetoric and advocating for the local Latino and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender populations. Last week, Carlsen helped lead a group of religious leaders from across the state in an interfaith vigil and prayer service in response to the mass shooting in Orlando, Fla.

“We have worked within our Christian and Episcopal traditions to develop spiritual and theological values that include everyone,” he said. “The families in the Bible were almost never simple one man/one woman households. We also found that God’s people are almost always immigrants and refugees. We are following our faith by working for the inclusion of all.”

A bicycling enthusiast, Carlsen and his wife, Jen, recently completed an 1,850-mile journey while on sabbatical in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Mexico, embracing the opportunity to improve their Spanish and learn more about Latino culture. Back home, the self-professed “bicycle nerd” sees his hobby as another way to minister to the masses.

“It’s really hard to get to know a community from a car,” he said. “On a bike, you are part of the environment. I’m positively disposed to encountering Indianapolis on my bike, and I meet the best people riding around. It’s also pretty hard to have a bad attitude while cycling.”

Question: What does the word “leader” mean to you?

Answer: “It’s so different than when I started in ministry 20 years ago. I was supposed to be the ‘expert,’ or so I thought. While I do have areas of expertise, my job as a leader is really to be the chief learner of my congregation, to be open and curious, to model learning from success and from failures. And to help us discover where God is moving — which, when we are looking for it, is always in a surprising and refreshing direction.”

Q: What’s been the most surprising thing you’ve learned in your career?

A: “I am always surprised at how daring and faithful a congregation can be when we are sure of what God is calling us to do. Sometimes, I have to get out of the way and let others do what they need to do. I shouldn’t be surprised, but busy people with busy lives give of themselves — with such generosity and energy — for the good and well-being of others. This is a blessing to behold.”

Q: What are the best and worst parts of your job?

A: “Best? Being with people at times of challenge and transition. I’m welcomed into people's lives when they’re feeling vulnerable and open. It’s such an honor.

“Worst? Meetings.”

Q: What do you consider your biggest success on the job?

A: “I’m so proud of the members of our congregation for embracing inclusion and diversity. Our mission is to ‘widen the circle of God’s embrace with heart and voice.’ With passion and faithfulness, they have done just that.”

Q: What are your professional goals going forward?

A: “I want to help people grow spiritually. I want diverse people to encounter a church that is welcoming and open, inclusive and positive. I want Christ Church Cathedral to be an embracing and leading congregation in Indianapolis, and be known for compassionate service, inclusion and the arts.”

More about Steve Carlsen

Job title: Dean and rector of Christ Church Cathedral.

Education: Master of Divinity from the University of Chicago; B.A. from Wheaton College.

Prior employment: St. John’s Cathedral in Denver.

Family: Wife, Jennifer Hund; son, Nathaniel; daughter, Lily.

Favorite pastimes: Cycling, cooking and woodworking.

Favorite musical artists: Colombian Cumbia singers.

Favorite quote: “Be not afraid.” “In the Bible, this is what every angel tells every human being. Fear incapacitates. It shuts down joy, peace and love. Take courage and go with love.”