First Lutheran Church has always been noted for the effective, faithful leadership of its senior pastors. Strong preaching and an emphasis in outreach and mission have been hallmarks of the lead pastors.

1865-1876 Amon Johnson
1876-1893 Gjermund Hoyme
1894-1917 Peder Tangjerd
1917-1923 Peter R. Syrdal
1923-1933 Johan M. Wick
1933-1943 Seth C. Eastvold
1943-1953 Agnar Tanner
1954-1963 Gjermund Thompson
1964-1979 Maynard V. Midthun
1979-1993 James H. Homme
1994-2007 Duane C. Pederson

First Lutheran has been blessed throughout the years by faithful and capable assistant and associate pastors. The following clergy are part of the legacy of First's pastoral leadership:

1886-1887 A. M. Arntson, Assistant
1887-1888 S. Romsdahl, Assistant
1888-1890 Peder Tangjerd, Assistant
1890          Martin Gulbrandson, Assistant
1890-1892 Ole Saue, Assistant
1892-1893 Olaf Guldseth, Assistant
1893-1902 Germund Hoyme, Assistant
1928-1930 Alvin A. Snesrud, Assistant
1931-1933 Arvid M. Romstad, Assistant
1933          C. E. Tiller, Temporary Assistant
1934-1935 J. M. Rasmussen, Assistant
1933-1937 Mandus A. Egge, Assistant
1937          J. M. Rasmussen, Temporary Assistant
1937-1938 C. E. Tiller, Assistant
1938-1939 A. Henry Hetland, Assistant
1939-1949 Edwin Gundersen, Assistant
1943-1945 John C. Kilde, Assistant
1947-1949 Lawrence W. Halvorson, Assistant
1951-1953 Neil T. Eckstein, Assistant
1953-1954 S. L. Tallakson, Temp. Assistant
1954-1956 Robert M. Kompelien, Youth Pastor
1954-1959 Christian S. Thompson, Visitation
1956-1957 Carroll F. Ellertson, Assistant
1956-1958 Russell T. Hendrickson, Associate
1958-1961 Philip L. Natwick, Associate
1959-1960 John Ritland, Visitation
1960-1964 O. C. Aune, Visitation
1961-1965 Harold J. Peterson, Associate
1964-1965 James O. Olsen, Associate
1968-1969 Wilbert H. Winkler, Associate
1970-1974 Richard P. DeBenedetto, Associate
1975-1976 William K. Roman, Associate
1978-1999 Robert E. Esse, Associate
1980-1981 Walter O. Langholz, Visitation
1979-1981 Paul R. Kilde, Associate
1993-1994 Marshall Hall, Interim Pastor
1995-2000 Jeanne L. Warner, Associate
2003-2007 Amy J. Odgren, Associate