Associate Pastor for Engagement

317-726-5409  | MSamson@SecondChurch.org 

Mike has been a pastor for 14 years, serving on staff at congregations in Indiana and New Jersey.  He graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree. He then completed a post-graduate program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, earning a Master of Theology degree. After graduation, Mike served in the Lake Fellow in Parish Ministry program here at Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis. Upon completing the Lake Fellow program, Mike was called to serve as Associate Pastor for Congregational Life at the Presbyterian Church in Westfield (PCW), NJ, a 1,400 member congregation in the suburbs of New York City. During his seven years at PCW, a main area of focus was the outreach and welcoming of guests and members into the life and ministry of the church. 

When the Samson family felt a need to be 'back home again in Indiana,’ Mike began serving on an interim basis at Hope United Presbyterian Church, a small congregation in Plainfield, IN.  He was then called as Associate Pastor to Orchard Park Presbyterian Church, in Carmel, IN, focusing more broadly on multiple areas of ministry.

Prior to seminary, Mike graduated from Radford University with a degree in marketing. Following graduation, he worked in Atlanta for Turner Broadcasting’s World Championship Wrestling in cable affiliate relations, managing the Midwest market. Sensing that the Lord had other things ahead for him, he discerned a call to ministry and continues to be grateful to serve in the body of Christ as a pastor.  Mike considers it a joy and privilege to be in a vocation that allows him to deeply invest in his love for God and people. He loves helping people make deeper connections with God and one another in the church and in all walks of life. 

Mike is married to Kelly Samson, a native of Vincennes, IN. They have two sons, Matthew (10) and Luke (7), as well as a big dog (a 90 pound golden retriever) and a cat. Kelly works as a genetic counselor at IU North and Riley Hospitals and coordinates IU Health’s Kate Cares Stillbirth Assessment Program, which helps families find answers to questions and provides support following devastating losses. In her free time, Kelly enjoys playing tennis and spending time with her family. Matthew is going into fourth grade and loves playing with his friends, riding bikes, music, and using his imagination to build things. Luke is going into second grade and loves playing with his friends, baseball, football, and building things. Matthew and Luke also love playing with each other.

Mike is a native of Montclair, NJ (a suburb of NYC) and enjoys spending his free time with family and friends, playing guitar and making music, as well as playing various sports. The Samsons are excited and hopeful about becoming a part of the body of Christ at Second Presbyterian Church!