Ministers
Rev. Michael Auch, Bridge Minister
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Rev. Michael Auch, a member and practitioner at Center for Spiritual Living Ballard, is serving as our Bridge Minister—a temporary ministerial role designed to support spiritual communities in times of transition. With a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership, organizational development, and interim ministry, Michael brings both strategic insight and deep spiritual practice to his work with CSLB.
With over 28 years as an executive leader in education and mental health nonprofits, Michael has guided numerous organizations through critical transitions. As an interim executive and consultant, he has helped stabilize leadership, strengthened financial health, and refocused missions for long-term success. His experience includes board development, strategic planning, stewardship campaigns, and operational assessments—skills that will support CSL Ballard as we move toward a sustainable future.
Michael has also served as an interim minister at CSL Olympia and has consulted with various spiritual communities, offering guidance in leadership transitions, financial stewardship, and community engagement. Passionate about teaching, he regularly facilitates retreats, workshops, and classes that deepen spiritual practice and foster connection.
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What is a Bridge Minister?
A bridge minister provides temporary ministerial leadership and guidance during times of transition, helping a spiritual community stabilize, assess its needs, and prepare for its next phase. This role offers flexibility, allowing a community to receive ministerial support without the immediate commitment of a full-time minister. As CSL Ballard navigates operational shifts, Michael’s presence helps ensure continuity in leadership, spiritual guidance, and strategic planning.
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His heart-centered leadership is rooted in service, with a deep commitment to youth and family programs, LGBTQ+ mental health, HIV/AIDS advocacy, and social-emotional education. We are grateful for his presence and expertise as we co-create the future of CSL Ballard together.
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Founding Ministers
Rev.Colette Mercier; Co-founding Minister, Emerita
Rev. Colette Mercier began her ministry as a Science of Mind practitioner in 2003 and was licensed as a minister in 2011, having been a student of different religious and spiritual traditions for many years. In co-founding Amazing Grace Spiritual Center with Rev. Eric O’del in 2009, her passion for Spirit and service combined with her devotion to nurturing loving community and organizational integrity.
Rev.Eric O'del; Co-founding Minister, Emeritus
Before ministry, Rev. Eric O’del was a theater director and producer (Alice B. Theater), a college professor (Cornish College of the Arts) and a church music director (Center for Spiritual Living Seattle). All of these life experiences came together in his work as a Founding Minister of Amazing Grace Spiritual Center.