Pastor Luke Carl Ulrich was born and raised in the small town of Ojai, California, the fourth (and youngest) child of Kay & Whit Ulrich. He attended elementary school at Our Redeemer Lutheran School (WELS) in Santa Barbara, CA; and then attended High School at California Lutheran High School (WELS/ELS) in Wildomar, CA, graduating in 2000. With the help and encouragement of his family, Luke trekked to Mankato, MN to attend Bethany Lutheran College. While there, he met many who had a great zeal and passion for God’s Word and for the Lutheran Faith, who then encouraged him to continue his education at Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary – following in the steps of his grandfather, Rev. Alvin Wagner, who served as a pastor and missionary for the LCMS, the FAL, and then for the ELS.
After completing the classroom training at Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary, Pastor Ulrich served as the vicar at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, MN from 2008 to 2009. He has served as the Pastor of Abiding Word Ev. Lutheran Church in Bowling Green, Ohio from 2009 until 2013. He has served as Pastor at Mount Olive Lutheran Church and School since August 2013.
Pastor Ulrich is blessed in having a very loving and supportive wife, Rachel (nee: Enderle) – they were married in May 2006. In June of 2009, the couple was blessed with their first child, Sophia Ruth Ulrich. They also welcomed a son, Maxton Alexander, in June of 2012. In the Summer of 2016, they welcomed their third, Benedict Michael. Pastor and his family enjoy bicycling (especially BMX), are constantly seeking the best cheeseburgers, can be heard playing electric guitars and drums in their basement, are known to explore art museums, and—when able—love to travel. They are active in the community and especially in many of the programs at Mount Olive.