Pastor Melius has been pastor at Mt. Zion, his first call after his graduation from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN, since 2006. Born in Belle Fourche, SD and baptized at St. Paul’s, Spearfish, Pastor Melius and his family later moved to Yakima, WA where he grew up. He attended and graduated from the University of Washington in 2000 and two weeks later, married Jan. After some interest in mission work to China during college, he decided to attend the seminary in the hopes of becoming a missionary. His plans changed during seminary when he and Jan began having kids. Together they now have 9 children, 6 biological and 3 adopted, together with 2 grandkids. In addition to theology and Bible study, Pastor Melius enjoys doing home improvements and outdoor activities like camping and hunting.