Rev. Timothy J. Swenson is a confessional Lutheran pastor, theologian, and educator known for his unwavering commitment to the theology of the cross.  A lifelong resident of the High Plains and third-generation immigrant, Swenson’s faith and preaching have been shaped by the realities of rural farm life—drought, blizzard, and the utter dependence on God’s providence in wresting a living from the land.

He earned his Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary in 1990 and was ordained into Lutheran ministry.  He served for 22 years as a parish pastor in rural western North Dakota and is now rostered in the Augsburg Lutheran Churches and the North American Lutheran Church.

Since 2010, Swenson has served as Dean of Chapel at the Institute of Lutheran Theology (ILT) in Brookings, South Dakota, while also teaching as an Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology. In these roles, he leads weekly worship, preaches regularly, and provides spiritual formation for future pastors.

He is the founder of St. Martin’s School of Theological Discernment (St. Martie's Place: St. Martin's School of Theological Discernment), and maintains the YouTube channel @preachermantim, where he proclaims “Jesus Christ, him crucified, and him alone handed over to be the life of dead sinners.”  His preaching is marked by clear Law-and-Gospel distinction, honest confrontation of sin, and bold comfort in the free forgiveness won by Christ.