Our Pastors

Lead Pastor Emily Carroll

A lifelong Alaskan, Emily graduated from Candler School of Theology with her Master’s of Divinity degree in 2018 and began serving as a pastor in Anchorage the same year. She was ordained as an Elder in the Pacific Northwest Conference in 2021 and has a deep passion for discipleship and justice work that encourages right relationship with God and one another. When she’s not at the church, you can probably find her outside enjoying God’s creation with her husband, Aidan, and their son, Elias.

Pastor of Student and Family Ministry

Pastor Autumn Kruger

Autumn graduated from Candler School of Theology (Master of Divinity) and was commissioned as a provisional elder in the Dakotas Conference in 2017. She promptly moved to Anchorage and served Anchor Park UMC for 3 years before being appointed to St. John UMC in 2020 and then First UMC in 2022. Autumn first fell in love with Alaska while working at Birchwood Camp, responding to a lifelong longing for Alaska and a deep passion for working with young people. She especially loves walking alongside individuals as they learn more about how they can love God, themselves, and others. When not working, you will find Autumn cooking, researching vegetarian and pescatarian recipes, gardening, crafting, and being outside with her dog, Kavi. 

Associate Pastor Andy Bartel