Meet Pastor Ken Rathje

10 Apr Meet Pastor Ken Rathje

Ken Rathje is a distinguished transformational Christian leader and Pastor of Calvary Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, Virginia. He has four children and two grandchildren living in Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts, plus extended family in Michigan, with brothers and sisters of faith living around the world.

Ken has earned a Master of Divinity (MDiv) Degree in order to be ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament for the Presbyterian Church, USA. He has been a full-time student Pastor July – August 2021 in Caseville, MI and part-time student Pastor September 2021 – July 2022 in Cambridge, England. He recently earned a Diploma of Theology in Ministry at Cambridge University as a part of his Pastoral education, and is currently studying for his Doctorate in Ministry at Wesley Theological Seminary.

Prior to his Seminary experiences, he had Senior Executive Service experience with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate federal support to 11 disasters within the US. Additionally, he had successful executive and strategic business experience with Wells Fargo Bank (Vice President), and Dawn Foods (Chief Customer Officer). As a Colonel in the US Army Reserves, he served with distinction on the Army Senior Staff at the Pentagon, as well as commanded 2,000 plus soldiers at the Brigade level during wartime. His combat experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan leading joint and interagency teams were instrumental in affirming his views on leadership and war reparations.

His previous education includes a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree from the U.S. Military Academy, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree from Monmouth University, and a Masters of Strategic Studies (MSS) Degree from the U.S. Army War College. His highest military awards include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and the Combat Action Badge. He has also earned the Ranger Tab, and the Army Parachutist Badge.