Rector, Seth Olsen

The Rev. Seth Olson serves as Rector of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Apostles, where he joyfully leads a vibrant and growing parish in worship, pastoral care, Christian formation, and community outreach. With a heart for helping people encounter the transforming love of Christ, Seth brings over fifteen years of parish and college ministry experience shaped by creativity, compassion, and a deep sense of call. Prior to arriving at Holy Apostles, he served as Associate Rector at All Saints’ in Homewood and St. John’s in Decatur, offering leadership in evangelism, formation, outreach, and pastoral care, and helping communities grow in faith, hope, and generosity. His ministry is grounded in Scripture, sacrament, and the belief that God’s grace is always drawing us toward healing and wholeness. 

A graduate of the Seminary of the Southwest (M.Div. 2013) and Sewanee: The University of the South (B.A. Psychology and Religion, 2007), Seth is passionate about preaching, teaching, and building healthy systems that allow congregations to flourish. Before attending seminary, Seth was the college Lay Chaplain at Sewanee. He has served the wider church through General Convention, diocesan leadership, evangelism work, Camp McDowell, Cursillo, and ministries with children and youth. Whether he is offering a sermon, planning liturgy, facilitating a class, or accompanying someone through a difficult season, Seth seeks to help people notice God’s presence in the ordinary rhythms of life—and to respond with courage, compassion, and joy. 

Outside of church life, Seth is a devoted husband and father, a lover of good storytelling, a runner with a fondness for Sewanee’s trails, and a sports enthusiast. A firm believer that humor is one of the Holy Spirit’s underrated gifts, Seth is grateful every day for the privilege of serving the people of Holy Apostles and for the shared ministry of building a community rooted in love, shaped by hope, and sent forth in Christ’s name.