The Reverend Dr. Michael L. Collins

Since coming to University Lutheran Church and Campus Center in January of 2003, Pastor Collins has shown a deep relationship with Jesus Christ and a passionate commitment to sharing the Good News of God's love with the Gainesville and University of Florida campus community. He is leading the people of University Lutheran to expand their ministry and outreach by empowering them with bold new ideas and thoughts of faith through mission.

Pastor Collins has a passion for preaching and worship, as well as a vision for campus ministry strengthening our young people with God's courage and grace. Under Pastor Collins leadership, University Lutheran has opened a new Student House with great new possibilities in campus ministry. Campus Ministry has had international Mission trips to St Croix and Costa Rica, and planning a trip to Germany in the Spring of 2008. Pastor Collins brings an enthusiasm for ministry and a tremendous love for children, youth, students and adults that compliments University Lutheran's mission of demonstrating and proclaiming God's joyful, unconditional love. He has ushered in a new music ministry and encouraged fresh and exciting ways to worship, study and serve.

Pastor Collins obtained a Master of Divinity degree from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in 1978 and a Doctor of Ministry degree in pastoral counseling from the Graduate Theological Foundation at Notre Dame in 1989. He has served as senior pastor at congregations in North Carolina and Florida, as well as for several years under specialized call by the Florida Bahamas Synod in ministry to the hungry and homeless.

Pastor Collins is a single father of four children. The youngest is an Eighth Grader, and the oldest is a recent Master's graduate from the University of Florida. They are involved in music, traveling soccer, youth ministry and extracurricular school activities. Pastor Collins enjoys his children's activities, Gator sports, lying on the beach or sitting on the side of a mountain.

Pastor Collins is also a member of the University of Florida's “Crisis Response Team.” This group, which is coordinated by the Dean of Students Office, responds to emergencies and crises that occur within the campus community.

You may contact Pastor Collins by phoning the church office or through his confidential e-mail address at: pastor@ulcgainesville.com