Our Leadership
Pastor Michael Brandt
Pastor Brandt is a native of South Dakota. He was raised in a committed Christian home where the joy and love of Christ prevailed. He is most thankful for the saving, transforming grace of Jesus Christ that enabled him to be born anew to a living hope. His present call as Director of Shepherding the Shepherds is overseen by Abiding Savior Free Lutheran in Sioux Falls, SD. Since 2008, Shepherding has been privileged to minister in 16 different evangelical denominations and 10 para-church ministries.
Michael and Colleen currently live in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. His wife of 36 years, Jeannie, was diagnosed with cancer in January 2005 and in May of that same year she went Home to be with the Lord. The Holy Spirit’s comfort and strength have sustained Pastor and his family. God has also met the loneliness of Michael’s heart by providing the gift of a new mate, Colleen Mae Nichols. Colleen’s husband of 32 years, Dale ‘Punk’ Nichols, was taken to be with the Lord through a massive heart attack in the fall of 2004. Michael and Colleen’s relationship has been a further evidence of the gracious provision of God. Together they have a combined family of 6 adult children, their mates, and 15 grandchildren.
Michael graduated from the Association Free Lutheran Seminary. In 1969, he was licensed as a pastor and in 1972 he was ordained into the clergy roster of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations headquartered in Plymouth, Minnesota. He has served congregations in Minnesota, Washington, Wisconsin and South Dakota. Pastor Brandt has also served on numerous local and national ministry boards.
In addition to these privileges, Pastor Brandt has traveled extensively as an evangelist, conducting crusades and seminars across the United States and in 5 foreign countries while serving churches and organizations such as The Gideons International, Christian School Associations, and World Vision. He and his daughter, Kayla Brandt, authored the book, “Sent and Received”. The book chronicles their family’s journey of faith during Jeannie’s battle with cancer. He is also the author and producer of the evangelism video and training manual, “Evangelism, the Heartbeat of Heaven.”
“We thank God for the support you have provided during our time of crisis. It has been good to know we could call on you. How grateful we are for those who help make your service to us possible.”
— Pastor D.G.
“Pastor Brandt came last year to our congregation and was a real blessing to our leadership. His years of pastoral ministry and heart desire to exalt the Lord in our congregations are a gift to the AFLC.”
— Pastor L.Q.