The Rev. Dr. Randy Cirksena Jr. had the doctor of ministry degree in organizational leadership conferred upon him on May 20 at Asbury Theological Seminary at Wilmore, Kentucky.

The Rev. Dr. Randy Cirksena Jr., center, is pictured with his parents, Georgia and Randy Cirksena Sr. (Contributed)

Cirksena was the pastor of The Norwood Circuit United Methodist churches (Mt Zion, Green Memorial, Cedar Grove and Rehoboth) from 1987 to 1990.

His dissertation was: “The Best Practices of Attracting and Ministering to Non-European Immigrants In Minnesota.”

He begins his 10th year as pastor of The Ellendale UMC in Ellendale, Minnesota in July.

Cirksena is also a holder of The MDiv and ThM degrees from Duke University.

He counts his service with The Norwood Circuit UMC’s as one of the highlights of service in the ministry.