About…

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ, and welcome to my personal blog! It is hard for me to believe, but it dates back to 2011.

A parent from my last congregation told their youth that getting to know me was like peeling an onion. Within the next month, a member at my present congregation used the exact same metaphor. For, I have a wide variety of educational, volunteer, and work experiences that prove a huge part of who I have become and the gifts that I try to share. I don’t usually list my experiences out or speak of them all at one time, but after those two unrelated comments, I thought maybe I should here. If you have the time and interest, the below account might help you get to know me and understand why I do what I do. (Or, just read my blog, and over time, you can form your own picture of who I am.) When ordained, a friend once said, “I’m glad you finally figured out what to do.” I look it differently. God called me to each of these experiences for a purpose; getting me prepared for what was next.

With diverse work and ministry experiences dating back to college in the 1980s, I have become recognized for my extensive background, skill, and training in pastoral care for people of all ages especially in times of trauma or loss. In addition, I have experience working with family systems, addiction and recovery, as well as Post Traumatic Stress. I have remained active in intentional child, youth and young adult ministries since 1992, and my duel Master’s thesis (an MDiv and MS Criminal Justice) focused on how religiosity helps build resiliency in children and youth.

Although I had wrestled with the idea of becoming a Roman Catholic priest when in high school and college, I decided ordained life was not right for me. That would change. Having not fully addressed trauma and losses from my own childhood and youth (I was definitely an “at-risk youth” myself) and inappropriately dealing with the trauma of my present as a police officer, things came to a head on March 7, 1992. At a time of crisis, thanks to the love of God working through dear friends, I had my faith synthesized. I use this term as my hero, Jonathan Myrick Daniels did, for I can see that my earlier faith and baptism mattered, but something special happened that night as I desperately cried out to God and was pointed back into the Church by friends. After this, I intended to fully realize my call from God wherever the Spirit might lead. I intentionally began my journey into full-time Church ministry in 1994 as a volunteer discerning my vocation with the internationally respected Ecumenical Community of Taizé in France.

This is how my move to France happened. It was not a direct path. I began my renewed search where I had left off in college. Being Roman Catholic, I first entered active discernment for priesthood with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Richmond under Bishop Walter Sullivan at the time. He had a strong ecumenical bent, a focus on justice and peace, and started ministries seeking to support marginalized persons often overlooked by the denomination at the time including the Appalachian poor and LGBTQ persons. He also made outreach to other faiths including including donating $50,000 his own money to the Virginia Holocaust Museum. By the time Bishop Sullivan died, he was known as “everyone’s Bishop” to some. I learned a great deal from the Diocese’s Young Adult Ministry program, many campus ministers (lay and ordained) and rural priests of the Diocese particularly their willingness to work with anyone, as well as his kindness.

Then after much prayer, thought, conversations with others, and even some personality tests, I decided that diocesan priesthood was a great fit. Instead, I looked more deeply on two particular religious orders: the Benedictines at St. Vincent’s Archabbey and Maryknoll. Both reflected my interest in working with youth and young adults, my facility and interest in working within other cultures, and a communal approach to ministry. Considering my history, I felt the sense of community would prove healthier for me, thus I might serve better. Both had opportunities for mission work, and I was attracted to their commitment to social justice. I learned a great deal from my visits and retreats with them.

During the same period while still a police officer, I had began to volunteer at a campus ministry at what is now the University of Mary Washington and worship with them during the school year. The Campus Minister was Sister Joanne Zielinski, a member of the Daughters of Wisdom. (She was a powerhouse, and had a gentle way of encouraging and involving people.) I was soon invited to help accompany her local college students from what is now the University of Mary Washington to the first ever, national Taizé gathering in the United States in Dayton, Ohio. The experience was profound as well as healing, and I got to know the brothers better through visiting them later at smaller meetings on the East Coast, reading, and praying with their music daily. I began to wonder if I was called to help in France perhaps even as a brother. At a meeting outside of Washington, DC, Brother John took my inquiry seriously. As I was about to go for my first visit to the village, Brother John suggested a week in silence and prayer under the care of an older brother. He would be my spiritual director of sorts. I have shared about this experience in my blog. One of the first brothers, Brother Francois, was originally from Holland and (I only learned much later) a Lutheran pastor as well as a bother in this ecumenical community. At the end of my week, he said that we could not know what God had for my answer, “but we have similar hearts. You must come.”

That was that. I departed law enforcement, selling off my things to pay off creditors, give to others, and move to France as a sponsored, long term volunteer, or a “permanent” as called in the community. I tell that story of my transition more fully in “My Little Springtime.” As a permanent, I attended and served at my first European meeting, became the “Outside Responsible” (caring for pretty much all the grounds, tents, and associated tasks – even the septic system). It took about seven months – a full story on its own – to begin to identify that, although I still believe I was called to France, there was more to learn and something else to do. I returned home certain that I was to remain serving the Church full time in some way, no small victory on its own, but I would just have to walk forward in trust that Jesus would make things clear to me when the time was right.

Brother Roger’s spirituality and ecumenical outlook continues to deeply shape my own views of myself and the Church. Like so many others, I remain dedicated to his vision of living as much as able as one Church amidst differences. Inspired by his work for reconciliation in the world, it shapes how I encounter others and try to meet them as they are. I have found listening to their sacred story – how God is at work in their lives – is a key. I am eternally grateful for my time with their community and remain their friend as well as the friend of many whom I met there those many years ago. Indeed, two Brothers of Taizé graciously helped host a regional gathering for young adults at my congregation in Mechanicsville in 2018, a treasured memory.

Subsequently upon my return home, I became a Lay Missioner of the Sacred Heart at St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota. Before my return from France, I had told my family that I would visit them for a few months as I discerned my next steps – possibly seeking to serve in Central or South America with a missions group (as I had been there before), or maybe helping in the recently freed Eastern Block nations, or as I had a long interest in Native American cultures especially in the Great Plains, perhaps I could help there. My very first Sunday, the Bishop of the Diocese of Rapid City, later Archbishop of Denver and finally Philadelphia, Archbishop Emeritus Charles J. Chaput, just “happened” to be there to preach, teach, and ask for assistance in South Dakota. He was the first Roman Catholic Native American bishop, and he was particularly seeking help for those who lived on the reservations. I approached him at the end of the worship service, and he was kind enough to pass my resume around. This connected me to the school and the lay missioner program sponsored by the Priests of the Sacred Heart. The charism of Venerable Leo John Dehon “centers on bringing the compassionate, healing love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus into the realities of modern society, particularly through social justice, love, and reconciliation” (Ven. Fr. Leo John Dehon: a spirituality for all times.)

I cannot say enough good things about the Lakota people and all they taught me. St. Joe’s motto is, “We serve and teach, we receive and learn,” reflecting the reciprocity between cultures and faith traditions experienced there. I know it might sound trite, but I absolutely received more than I ever gave. I primarily served as a “house parent” for high school youth, but I also worked to support staff life, offered Bible studies, taught religion classes, served as a Ala-Teen mentor, and more. Since then, I have found the indigenous view of the world a helpful one to better understand the Jewish scriptures, for the Jewish people were themselves an indigenous, tribal people. The Native understanding of the communion between all God’s creatures is a beautiful one, and it is consistent with ancient Christianity and earlier Jewish understandings. The Lakota summarize this relationship with these words, “We are all relatives.” I am sure St. Francis and many others would agree. And anyone that knows me understands that I am a big supporter of animal rescues.

After three and a half years in South Dakota, I felt a strong tug toward more education in order to better serve the youth there (or youth like them) in the future. This search eventually led me to a special program in Virginia at Union Presbyterian Seminary, becoming Lutheran (ELCA), and ultimately entering the candidacy process for ordination. My early intention upon entering the program was to return to South Dakota. Yet, the Assistant to the Bishop of the Virginia Synod, the Rev. Chip Gunston, encouraged me to use that first year as continued discernment. (It was only after a year as a seminarian that I decided to enter the candidacy process.)

As I entered seminary, I needed work to fund my way. I was fortunate to have a friend introduce me to Rebecca Adamson and First Nations Development Institute. (At the time, it was headquartered in Fredericksburg, VA.) I cared for the library, and I eventually worked as a researcher and writer part time. I learned an incredible amount about the system aspects of society and our interrelatedness just from watching this award winning leader advocate for others. My required “Lutheran Year” studies also kept my foot within rural communities. Having been at an urban seminary, I chose to go to what was then the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, now part of United Lutheran Seminary. There, I took multiple classes and had numerous conversations with the Rev. Dr. Gilson A. C. Waldkoenig. As Director of the Church and Town Institute at the seminary, he shared his expertise in rural and ecumenical ministries, and I have drawn upon that training countless times as a graduate. When in a rural area, working with your Christian, secular, and other faith neighbors proves incredibly helpful if not critical. His classes fostered creative thinking. I often come to think of Jesus’ teaching, “Whoever is not against us is for us” (Mark 9:40).

Ordained on December 8, 2007, I have served as solo Pastor at Messiah-Mechanicsville (11+ years) and as an Associate Pastor primarily caring for youth, evangelism, and outreach at Christ-Fredericksburg (nearly 7 years). I am currently serving at Grace & Glory Lutheran Church in Palmyra, Virginia, as their solo Pastor since May 1, 2026. As part of the Virginia Synod of the ELCA, I have additionally been appointed as Dean of the Richmond Conference (approximately 2 years),Vice Pastor for Christ-Richmond, and as an acting Vice Pastor (in my role as Dean) at Lakeside-Littleton, NC. I have demonstrated skills in evangelism, congregational development, and community service and served on multiple synodical teams and task forces.

Primarily thanks to my time with the Brothers of Taizé, I have long had a heart for ecumenical and interfaith relationships. I as asked to serve as a representative for the Virginia Synod (ELCA) on the Virginia LARCUM (Lutheran-Anglican-Roman Catholic-United Methodist) Committee and Virginia Lutheran-Episcopal Committee since 2020. I have also served the Virginia Synod on its past Gun Task Force and its Tapestry Team helping to empower congregations to embrace diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. I previously helped EnCircle (formally Lutheran Family Services of Virginia) as a board member for nine years, and I have supported several committees and fundrasiers assisting Virginia Special Olympics, Relay for Life, and L’Arche Metro-Richmond (serving people with intellectual disabilities and varied physical abilities as well as their families).

Due to my past experience as a police officer in the City of Alexandria Police (1988-1994), I continue to actively support first responders in Virginia. I am currently chaplain with two regional agencies (Hanover County Sheriff’s Office since 2008 and the City of Fredericksburg Police since 2019), and frequently fulfill ceremonial chaplain duties at the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy for graduations and special events. I started my law enforcement chaplaincy in 2008. I went on to earn the “Master” level credential for law enforcement chaplaincy through the International Conference of Police Chaplains in 2024. This represents a minimum of five years service and 350 hours of training in spiritual care issues, emergency response for citizens, and the ongoing care of first responders and their families. I have been asked to offer training for Virginia State Police Chaplains and chaplains and law enforcement officers from several jurisdictions on numerous occasions over the years. Reflecting my expertise in chaplaincy, I was awarded the prestigious National Sheriff’s Association Medal of Merit in 2018. 

I earned one unit of credit for Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) through Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)’s program at Mary Washington Healthcare. Today, Mary Washington Healthcare has an independent residency and internship program. Since 2019, I have enjoyed serving as Chair of their Public Advisory Group. Along with advising and assisting the program director and staff at the Fredericksburg campus, I occasionally teach interns and resident chaplains about spiritual care for all ages. Graduates from CPE programs tend to go on to serve as pastors in multiple denominations including the ELCA or as professional or volunteer chaplains in varied settings. Yet, anyone may apply to take part in these educational programs.

For my educational details, I earned a BA in English (with Distinction) from the Virginia Military Institute. While there, I was selected to participate in the Virginia Program at Oxford, a six week program where one studies English Renaissance History and Literature using the English system of daily tutorials and lectures at St. Anne’s College, Oxford University. I was awarded the Asa S. Dearing Medal for English, graduating first in my major, and as a Distinguished Army ROTC Graduate. I was a four-year Army Scholarship cadet, and in the Corps of Cadets, I served as a Cadet Captain.

For graduate studies, I was awarded a Master of Divinity degree from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond and concurrently a Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. With a heavy focus on pastoral care, as mentioned above, my graduate dual-thesis focused on fostering resiliency in children and adolescents. I also used my time at Union Presbyterian Seminary to develop my skills in urban ministry including taking classes at Virginia Union University, an historic black university in Richmond. During a required Lutheran year at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, now part of United Lutheran Seminary, my classes focused on Lutheran studies, rural ministry, pastoral care, and mission development. Through this intentional study, I hoped to be best prepared for wherever God sent me, and that decision has served me well.

Previously, I have served in the past with the City of Alexandria Police as a decorated law enforcement officer and an Alexandria Kiwanis Police Officer of the Year in 1994. I am a six-year veteran of the Army National Guard and Reserve where I primarily served as a tactical intelligence officer with the famous “Dandy Fifth,” the 175th Regiment, then of the 29th Infantry Division, located in Baltimore.

For fun, I enjoy travel, as well as attending regional theater, VCU basketball games, and minor league baseball games with my wife, Kristine. I have enjoyed hosting a regionally popular theology on tap event and related podcast with friends called Three Priests Walk in a Bar, where we often explored unorthodox subjects as well as the daily life of being church. (We are cuirrently on hiatus.) I have been a guest on other podcasts as well. I blog and read for both my professional development and pleasure. I find peace through silent prayer and meditation, walks with my beloved dog, or simple hikes at Virginia state or our national parks. I often spot Jesus on my way.

If you read this far, thanks! In leaving my last congregation and coming to my current one, I had two individuals who don’t know one another from each community coincidentally say that they thought learning about my story bit by bit is similar to peeling an onion. There’s always another layer to the story. Certainly, I understand that I have had lots of varied adventures during my life thus far, and hopefully laying it out this way, God gets any of the glory, and I take responsibility for any of my shortcomings. A friend once mused that he was glad that I found what I was meant to do on the day of my ordination. In hindsight, I believe I was doing what I was supposed to do and sometimes needed to do all along. God can use all our experiences to bless us and the world.

In closing, please remember that this is my personal blog. None of my essays, sermons, or other writings necessarily reflect the opinions of any entity where I volunteer or work. The responsibility is mine for any errors or bad thinking, but hopefully, even if you disagree, you will find more helpful things than not.

© 2026 The Rev. Louis Florio. All text and images not held under copyright by Word Press or another entity may not be used without permission of the author.