Dr. Mike Donahou became pastor of Salem UCC at a special meeting of the congregation following his leading worship as arranged by the Search and Call Committee on June 7, 2026. Pastor Mike intends to have regular hours at the church proper and would be glad to meet you as convenient to get to know you and your family. He and his wife of 21 years Jan and their children Griffin and Zoe have been friends of Salem for more than a year having found a warm welcome and feel comfortable in their “church home.”
Pastor Mike served as a professional religious educator for 27 years, most recently at St. Lawrence Seminary High School in Mt. Calvary for 6 years before coming to Salem church. His wife Jan just retired from Sheboygan Falls school system, most recently having served as librarian. They enjoy singing with the Salem Chancel Choir. Together they have two children – Zoe who is 17 and Griffin who is 13. They are enrolled in the confirmation program at Salem and attend local public schools. The Donahou family has made Waldo their home the past five years with their dogs Biscuit and SamWise.
Jan and Mike grew up in Arkansas as Baptists and Mike was ordained in 1986. Fast forward on life’s journey and since earned a Master’s Degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton (Ohio) followed by a PHd from Marquette University (Milwaukee). What they like about the UCC is its openness to all segments of human society, its biblical preaching, theology and ideas of church governance. Mike takes seriously the idea that ‘No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you belong here.’ He writes:
“I have been inspired by my reading of the Bible, especially the Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes and the Psalms. To be honest, sometimes Paul frightens me. I believe stories in the Bible contain timeless truths that can help shape and mold our lives. I believe we are at our best when we are helping people and at our worst when we judge others. It is our duty to do the good we have the power to do.
In order to walk with people on the journey of life, I think a pastor should be available as much as humanly possible and the church should be open as often as possible. I look forward to hearing more about the visioning sessions last fall. I realize you can’t be all things to all people and there are only so many hours in a day. However, I’ve also read that Jesus fed 5,000 people with 5 loaves and 2 fish �� .
I root for the Brewers and support the Packers. I follow the Badgers in college football and wonder if this could be the year they turn it around! Jan and I enjoy watching Taskmaster and mystery/detective shows and look forward to watching ‘Project Hail Mary.’ “
Pastor Mike Donahou
