Interview with Mike Luna

1.  Tell us about yourself and share some key moments from your life that have led you to where you are today? About myself. I speak the truth candidly. Broken from the beginning. Born into a broken home, family abandoned by my father. We lived poor and there was a sense of desperation always lurking, though my mother, God bless her, did what she had to do to make ends meet and give my sister and I a somewhat ‘normal’ life. It wasn’t a pleasant childhood, neglected , confused, depressed and angry are some of the words I use to describe my life growing up. But the Lord was watching over me and came into my life at the age of 15. The seed was planted and even though I strayed from the faith, He remained faithful and after many years, I found myself amongst a fellowship of believers that guided, nurtured and loved me, and I’ve had the blessing to do the same in return. To Jesus be the honor. I have no doubt that my home church and family, Hope Lutheran Church of Linda Vista, is where God has placed me to do His bidding. To grow in grace and knowledge and love others in Jesus’ name through our ministry. There is so much more to be said, He is still writing the story!

2. What motivated you to pursue a path in ministry, and how did you discern this calling? As a teenager of 15, I felt the strong urge to help others to know Jesus, to read and study and know as much about Him as I could, being in a home where my family didn’t believe, I would ride my moped 5 miles to church every Sunday, with the Holy Spirit desire to be in fellowship. Unfortunately, I fell away, due to lack of guidance, enticement of the world, immaturity, etc. As I said, the seed was planted and all these years later, the desire to help others, specifically men -broken, misguided, addicted, etc. whatever the case. Men who need Jesus. But, people in general also. A Pastor’s heart, if I may be so bold (but shaking to my core as I type this!) As I’ve been blessed and encouraged through the discernment and mentorship of godly men -Pastor Bill Smith, Pastor Tardelli Voss and Deacon Bill Rice, the path that Jesus led me to is now in front of me.

3.  Describe your vision and your ministry? First and foremost, through my own tragic, sinful life experiences as an extremely broken man, it became obvious that, if I would yield to the Lord, He could cultivate and nurture a willing heart in me to help others with similar experiences. Be it small groups, prison ministry, etc. 

4. How is God preparing you for this ministry? I am currently serving as a lay-deacon in training at Hope, heading up a brand new men’s study group and, along with Deacon Bill, teaching a Lutheranism 101 class on Sundays after church. Outside of these activities, with the church's blessing and sponsorship, I have been studying and taking courses in the MTC program in the LCMS PSW district over the last year. In addition, I have been named as a candidate for the SMP program. All of this is a wonderful blessing and although I humbly stand to this call, I completely realize that this is God’s work. The plans I had for my own life involved very little hope for a very long time! God be praised for His faithfulness when I couldn’t even speak that word.

5. Share any insights or teachings from Scripture that have been particularly influential in shaping your ministry approach:  Romans 12:1-2 have become something of a life verse for me. Taking God’s word to heart and presenting myself to Him, mind and body as a sacrifice for His glory, after a life of debaucherous sin, seems like a wonderful thing to do. Allow His goodness to shine through this cracked vessel made of clay (2 Cor. 4), is my pleasure. Having my sinful mind cleansed through His word, enlightening me to truth. I know there are so many people out in the world that are being ripped off by the spirit of this age, who deep inside are hungry for truth and just need some love and guidance. Will I allow the Lord to use me?

6.  As you look at the world around you, how do you see Jesus at work? One way I see Jesus at work -a powerful motivator for me- is the many men that I’ve met and gotten to know who are willing to set aside their former lives and become champions for Him. There is much enticement to live for self in this world, and these guys band together to live sacrificially for the Lord.

7. If someone were to pray for you and your ministry, what areas would you ask them to focus on? I ask for prayer to be diligent, patient, confident yet humble, teachable with right energy to do the hard work faithfully each day… and to lead with the kind of love that Christ gives to His people.

8. How is the Lutheran Mission Society San Diego being helpful to you? The Lutheran Mission Society San Diego has been a tremendous blessing in my journey towards ministry. Their support has been a cornerstone in helping me navigate this path. Through their mentorship and encouragement, they’ve guided me in discerning my calling and staying committed to my growth in faith. Their connections within the Lutheran church have opened up opportunities for formal education and training, which are essential for my development. Their backing gives me a sense of assurance and community, knowing I’m supported by people who believe in this mission. It’s been a vital part of my preparation and readiness to step into pastoral ministry, and I am incredibly grateful for their help.

Thank you for the opportunity to share some words about what Jesus Christ has done for my life and will continue to do through my life!

In Him,

Mike Luna