Olga-Maria Cruz
about
The Rev. Dr. Olga-Maria Cruz (she/her) is a minister, musician, and writer living in central Florida.
Olga-Maria Cruz (M.Div., Ph.D.) serves as Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Lakeland, Florida, part of the Florida-Bahamas Synod. A preacher, teacher, musician, and author, she is passionate about sharing good news—especially with those who have experienced church harm, those curious about faith, and those seeking a safe and joyful spiritual home.
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Though newly ordained, Pastor Olga-Maria brings years of experience in teaching, spiritual formation, and creative ministry. Her faith journey has been shaped by both a deep love for the church and the pain of religious trauma. She is committed to helping build church and church-adjacent spaces that feel like good news: honest, expansive, rooted in grace, and open to continual transformation.
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Through preaching, teaching, and spiritual support, Pastor
Olga-Maria seeks to meet people with compassion and curiosity.
At the heart of her ministry is a simple truth: God's love is for you. Right now. Just as you are.