Biography for Reverend Ted Tollefson
My first 'call'
to ministry came in River Falls, WI, where I worked at a nursing home
with Beth Ray and Pam Korsgaard. There I learned about listening with
the heart and the healing power of singing and storytelling. In 1976 I
left to study for the ministry at Starr King School in Berkeley,
California. After graduating in 1979, I completed a master's degree in
clinical counseling from Cal. State University, Hayward.My first UU congregation was White Bear Lake where I served from 1980 to 1989. WBUC taught me about resourceful communities, playful ritual and the necessity for adult religious education. From 1990 to 2000, I co-founded a non-profit organization (Mythos Institute) inspired by the work of Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung. From my 'Mythos' days I discovered how difficult it is to build the stage, sell tickets, perform and clean up afterwards. I served the UU Fellowship of Northfield as consulting minister from about 1999 to 2006. From them I am still learning how community is formed by relational covenants heart-warming potlucks. This past spring I served as guest sabbatical minister at First Universalist Church, Minneapolis. Its 960 members reminded me how words and music enliven Sunday services and how important it is to have fun in the midst of work.
Besides ministry, I teach world religions at United Theological Seminary and St. Mary's University and psychology at Metro State University. In my spare time, I run an internet book business and retreat center from our home in Frontenac, Minnesota. My wife Kristen has run a used academic bookstore (The Bookhouse in Dinkytown) for over 30 years. She also works to increase public participation in energy policy in Minnesota.
I'm delighted to return to Rivers Falls where my aspirations to ministry began.