Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN) announces the Rev. Paul Larson, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Family in Carson City, has been named advocacy director and will serve as legislative advocate on behalf of Lutheran parishioners across Nevada.
Larson will report to the LEAN Policy Council as the 83rd Session of the Nevada Legislature convenes Feb. 3.
As a registered lobbyist, Larson will keep abreast of social justice issues facing individuals and families in Nevada, as well as issues relating to the care of creation. Under the Policy Council’s direction, he will monitor the introduction of relevant bills; advocate the LEAN position on issues with elected officials; conduct speaking engagements and/or workshops (in person or online) at a congregational level on active advocacy; participate in the legislative process; and perform various other outreach and advocacy duties, including helping plan a “Lobby Day” at the Capitol in February.
Larson will also network with local, state and national advocacy groups pursuing a similar public policy agenda, and, where appropriate, serve as a member on relevant state-level boards and coalitions.
As a body, LEAN operates under direction and with support of the Grand Canyon and Sierra Pacific Synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
“Over LEAN’s nearly three-decade history, we’ve always had strong, committed, spirit-led advocates to represent Christian principles in the halls of Nevada power,” said Vic Williams, longtime LEAN Policy Council member and current secretary/treasurer. “Rev. Larson is the latest in a long line of dedicated servants, and we truly look forward to working with him to further our mission, with the ELCA’s Social Statements as our foundation.”
Before being called in October 2024 as lead pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Family, Larson served as pastor at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in his native Salinas, Calif., for two years. During that time, he also served as chaplain for Lutheran Campus Ministry of the Monterey Bay in Santa Cruz, Calif. His previous positions included strategic designer for Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Young Adult Ministry in Chicago; interim youth director for East Bay Lutheran Youth Parish in Oakland; and vicar at Advent Lutheran Church, Westminster, Colorado. He also brings a wealth of community organizing and communications experience to his new LEAN position.
“I was interested in this position because of today’s changing political landscape, and how people of faith respond to it,” Larson said. “There are plenty of issues in play for the upcoming session, from immigration to early childhood development to food insecurity, to addiction.”
Larson holds a master of divinity from United Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia, and a Bachelor of Arts in both sociology and political science from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.
To reach Larson, email paullarson@leanforjustice.org.