Pastor Bruce Harry Larson

After over 25 years Pastor Bruce is moving on from his home at First Assembly of God in Fargo. He has been such a large part of my life I want to share some of that with you.
It was 17 years ago when I first met Pastor Bruce and I was 16. Besides inspiring me to worship he took an interest in me early on. I know this because I was only 17 when he allowed me to borrow the Church’s traveling sound system. I remember how privileged I felt when he handed me the same microphones he used on Sunday morning. I set up the system at First United Methodist and Pastor Bruce drove out and helped me EQ it. I even got to travel with him on some youth events he did in the area.

I was graduating from High School and needed some direction so I went to Bruce and asked him. That was when we first talked about my interning under him. A year later it was time to start the internship that would shape the rest of my life but I was scared because I had gotten a low grade in my music theory class. In order to continue in the music program I would have to retake the class. I was a good worship leader, an ok singer and had enough charisma to hold a room, but a true musician I was not. I did not think he would want me. I remember exactly where we were sitting when I sheepishly told him about the poor grade. He said only three words, “let’s do it.” Later he told me how when he was in college he was told he should quit and that he would never be a piano player. I am glad he knew better than to do that to me.

I started soon after and it was an amazing time. To this day I have never worked harder than when I worked for Pastor Bruce Harry Larson. We did the play Scrooge, concerts, outdoor events, it was wild and I threw myself into it. I made 30 dollars a month and worked between 60 to 80 hours a week. I had no idea I could go so long without a day off but I was determined not to let Bruce put in more hours than me. I learned so much. Like when we were finally done with Scrooge, that night Bruce said something to me that I have thought of countless times since. He said “tomorrow you are going to crash emotionally, don’t take yourself seriously.” I don’t know if you know this but many of us very passionate people swing emotionally. My moods swing way more than my wife’s ever did and I needed to learn how to handle that. When the my mood swung down after having so much adrenalin for the last two months I expected it and let it. I chose not to “take myself seriously”. I learned so much from him that year but that may be the most important.

Six months into my internship I had my six month review. I had been working so hard and it was really going well. I am confident that I was a great help to Bruce. In my review he asked me if I wanted to be a Music Pastor. I said no, I felt called to youth as well and knew that good worship leader that I was I did not have what it took to arrange all that music (arranging music takes up much of a music pastors week, hours and hours, I really dislike hard core arranging). So he said I should switch over to Cal. I know I was a tremendous blessing to him and switching over to Cal had never crossed my mind. I did not know switching half way through was an option. He put what God had for me over the workhorse I was for him. Had Pastor Bruce not put me above himself I never would have been hired at First Assembly.

I got to serve with Pastor Bruce full time for 8 years and we sat next to each other in staff meeting every week. Whether kidding around or being serious, we were allies. I think it would be accurate to say that we have been there for each other in some of our greatest moments and some of our darkest. He has been my Leader, Pastor, Mentor, and best of all, my Friend. I know we will stay in touch, but never the less, Pastor Bruce you will be sorely missed.

May God Bless you in all you put your hand to.