New Pastor at Keawala`i Congregational Church
Sunday, February 15, 2026 – 10:00 a.m.
Keawala`i Congregational Church
5300 Mākena Road
Keawala’i Congregational Church is pleased to announce the selection of a new settled Pastor, Dr. Mitch Nelson. He is an Ordained Minister with full standing in the United Church of Christ and was ordained on Sep 25, 2022. He comes to us from Duluth, Minnesota where he was pastor of The United Protestant Church in Morgan Park UCC.
Pastor Nelson would describe his faith as “believing in the creation account and seeing nature as something that was created and blessed by God. Also a relationship, I feel that when nature is seen as something sacred in creation this can lead to better care for it and humanity. My call as of late has moved into Pastoral Ministry and writing on Christian Ecology.” His focus on Aloha for the ‘Aina fits well in the Hawaiian culture. He is also an avid surfer, hitting the waves in Lake Superior.
He follows a long line of Pastors in the 194-year history of Keawala`i, from the first minister, Nueku, to our longtime Pastor Kealahou Alika, who served for 29 years. Founded in 1832, Keawala`i Congregational Church was known as the Church of Honua`ula. Originally built of pili grass, a year later it became a stone-wood building.
Pastor Nelson’s first official leading of service will be on Sunday, February 15, 2026. All are invited.