Pastor

Anne-Grethe Krogh Nielsen

I was born and raised in Denmark on the Island of Fyn, and I studied theology at the esteemed University of Aarhus. I graduated with a master's degree in theology in 1991 and was called to be a pastor in a small parish in rural Denmark.

I served as pastor in Ringive Parish (Jutland) from 1991 to 2004 and enjoyed being a pastor, wife and becoming a mother of our two wonderful sons. 

To be a pastor is a multifaceted calling which always has been a true blessing for me whether I preach, teach, relate, comfort or meet with people of my congregation. The Christian Gospel brings hope, faith and love into a broken world and broken relationships.

As a pastor I have the privilege to serve Christ through that message of hope, faith and love and thus serve the congregation. In 2004 my family and I decided that I would accept a two-year calling as pastor of the Danish Lutheran Church in Yorba Linda. After completing what became two and a half years of leave from Denmark, we returned to Denmark and our obligations. 

As often happens: the people, the climate, and  the openness we found in California and in Yorba Linda grew on us. After two years back in Denmark, we accepted yet another call from the Danish Church in Yorba Linda; however, this time with the intent to stay for a longer time.

In 2008 we came back and we are still here! With a more  “permanent” pastor, the congregation is growing and thriving both as a Danish Lutheran Church where Danish immigrants, expatriates, and Danish Americans can preserve Danish religious and cultural traditions, and as a local Christian community church among the many various churches in Southern California. 

The Danish Church and  Cultural Center is a welcoming place of worship and culture. We welcome everyone at the Danish Church…. 

As my favorite quote from my favorite Danish theologian says: “ Human first, then Christian.” (N.F.S. Grundtvig)