Rev. Max Richter

Pastor Max has served as an elder in the Minnesota Conference for 25 years. He was appointed to Good Samaritan UMC in June 2024, after serving congregations in Minneapolis, Richfield, Columbia Heights and Champlin.

Pastor Max is a graduate of Concordia College in Moorhead with a B.A. in Organizational Communication and minor in Spanish. He is an active alum including service as class agent for eight years. Originally from Madison, South Dakota, Pastor Max moved to the Twin Cities in 1991. He worked in youth and children’s ministries and therapeutic recreation for seniors before attending seminary. While in graduate school, he also worked for Bachman’s and the Minneapolis Park Board.

Pastor Max earned his Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. He also has a certificate in nonprofit management from Dakota Wesleyan University.

Pastor Max’s preaching style is passionate and pragmatic. He works to integrate both head and heart that leads to action in our lives. His experience in worship design and leadership is enhanced by years of vocal studies. He has worked for many years in faith formation with children, youth, and adults and has a strong commitment to environmental ministry and the care of wildlife.

Pastor Max brings experience in mentoring both staff and volunteer leadership, as well as three seminary interns. He has been active in Annual Conference Leadership including chair of the District Committee on Ordained Ministry, Clergy Wellness Leadership Team and cantor for Annual Conference worship.

Pastor Max lives in the Merriam Park neighborhood of St. Paul (close to St. Thomas) with his Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Pippin. In his free time, he enjoys gardening, birding, scratch cooking, hiking and vocal studies.