MEET PASTOR AL

Rev. Dr. Alan Bolte, affectionately known as “Pastor Al,” has been faithfully serving the Lord as a pastor in local churches for over 40 years. He and his wife, Cindy, have ministered in 12 different congregations and also served during his time as District Superintendent in the Minnesota Annual Conference.

Pastor Al grew up on a farm in southern Minnesota and attended a small rural church. It was through the church’s Confirmation class and youth group that he met the love of his life, Cindy Nelson. They have now been married and partners in ministry for over 52 years. Together, they have a son and daughter, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Before entering full-time ministry, Al and Cindy farmed for 12 years in southern and central Minnesota. Al later began working for a contractor, building houses. Around that time, God began placing a call to ministry on his heart. He started serving a small United Methodist church part-time, which led him to pursue a college education.

He began his studies at St. Cloud State University in 1987 and graduated in the fall of 1990 with a double major in Applied Psychology and Sociology.

Pastor Al attended United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities for one year before transferring to United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, where he earned his Master of Divinity degree in 1995. He was ordained a Deacon in the United Methodist Church in 1994 and an Elder in 1997. In 2022, he received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Ministry International Institute Bible College.

In 2023, Pastor Al joined the Global Methodist Church denomination and began serving Ripley Centenary Methodist Church on January 26, 2025.

He believes the Bible is the true Word of God, that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven, and that the power of the Holy Spirit is available to all who believe!

Pastor Al and Cindy, along with the Ripley Centenary congregation, warmly invite you to join us and become part of our loving church family.