Trish Johnsen

Hi, I'm Pastor Trish and I've been the pastor at Salem Chapel since July of 2024. I am a "second career" pastor, having spent years in public education as a reading interventionist. I began my path to ministry at a young age, growing up in a small church where I learned to serve in many roles. I began to teach Sunday School at age 14 and served on the church board as the youth representative. My husband of 30 years has a career that moved us several times, and as I raised our son Billy and worked in the schools, I also served in several roles in children's and youth ministries. We (Chris, Billy, myself, 2 cats, and 1 dog) now live in Michigan City, IN. I served on staff at Michigan City First UMC as the children's and youth director for several years before following my call into pastoral ministry. After completing my education and licensing, I served at Michigan City First as the Associate Pastor before coming to Salem Chapel to serve as the lead (and only) pastor. As a farm kid and lover of corn fields- it was a perfect fit!

In addition, I serve part time with the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church as an Associate Director of Church Development. There, I train and coach other church leaders in new ways of being the church and in supporting rural ministries. 

Hobbies include: cleaning up after three animals and apologizing to my neighbors for the never ending car/truck collection at my house. I love to garden, work in my yard, hike in the woods,  and be outside every chance I can. 

I am passionate about the important work of the church in today's world as we work to reach beyond our walls to create beloved community and meet the needs of our community. I am thankful every day for the blessing of ministry and the place where God has put me and my family.