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The Chapel's Knute Larson reflects on his 25 years and the future of faith-based groups
Longtime pastor retires from mega-church he helped grow in Northeast Ohio
by WKSU's AMANDA RABINOWITZ


Reporter
Amanda Rabinowitz
 
Knute Larson has been senior pastor at The Chapel in Akron for 25 years. He was instrumental in the church surpassing 8,000 members and opening a second location in Green with six total worship services each week.
A pastor who helped grow one of the largest congregations in Northeast Ohio says he's encouraged the Obama administration will elevate some of the ideas he has preached for years. Knute Larson has worked for 25 years to integrate what's been called the most segregated hour in America.
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Knute Larson discusses his opinion on the meaning of life

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Larson talks about his frustrations with the stigma attached to "mega churches"

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Larson often uses humor; here discussing a Christmas Eve service he attended

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Larson talks about The Chapel's succesful outreach efforts

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Larson on the importance of the church's transition to his retirement

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Larson is humble, but knows he's made an impact

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The Chapel's head usher Larry Smith on Knute Larson

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(Click image for larger view.)

Knute Larson and his wife Jeanine have been married 46 years. They plan to move to Sawyer, Michigan upon his retirement from The Chapel in May. The two have spent time vacationing there.
Knute Larson giving a sermon during a recent service. Larson and his successor, the Rev. Paul Sartarelli alternate preaching at The Chapel's two locations, but the two can interact via video screens.
The Chapel is located on the University of Akron campus and can seat several thousand people. Services include a full band, interactive sermons on video screens and an advanced sound system.
Knute Larson walks the aisles and stands in the lobby prior to the services to greet parishioners.
During Knute Larson's tenure, the Chapel on the University of Akron campus grew to 8,000 members and opened a second location in Green with six total worship services each week. Sunday mornings after service are marked by massive traffic jams in downtown Akron and down Interstate 77. But Larson says he's most proud of the church's reach beyond its walls " into the inner city ... and through its 300 weekly activities. They range from pregnancy support and marriage counseling to indoor walking and game nights. Larson is retiring in May and leaving the church in the midst of a recession and a new presidential administration. But he's confident The Chapel and all faith-based groups will survive the economic downturn.
Listener Comments:

I hope that rev Larson reads these posts. many years ago, as very young girl, Rev larson was my pastor at Grace Brethren church in Ashland Ohio. He taught me so many things and always made it easy for a child to stay focused during sunday service. He baptised me when I was 8yrs old and I have never forgotten his name or the things he taught. I am now 42 years old and still look him up from time to time. You inspire people and will never be forgotten!!!!

Jennifer (Yencho) Metzger


Posted by: Jennifer Metzger (Spartanburg Sc) on December 28, 2011 2:12AM
The Chapel on Fir Hill is not located on the University of Akron Campus any more than The First Congregationalist Church on West Market Street or St. Bernard Catholic Church on Broadway are. The Chapel is near the UA campus and not on it.

In order to be on-campus, a structure must be on land owned and operated by a university. The University of Akron is a public state supported institution and may not have on its property or campus any relgious institution.

What religious institution is KSU associated with, St. Patrick's?


Posted by: Nate (Shaker Heights) on May 11, 2010 4:25PM
To have known Pastor Larson for over 20 years has been our family’s privilege. His heart was always open to us. His message was plain and simple... worship, community, mission. Each of us who are members took our calling orders from his example. “To glorify Christ and do what He would do, obeying His great command to love and His great commission toward the world.”

When all those who call Christ their Savior are judged for their works, I believe Pastor Larson's works will stand the refining fire and Jesus will say "Well done."


Posted by: Dave Reese (Akron, OH) on January 7, 2010 7:34PM
I know the Larson's lived in total luxury. In the BEST part of Akron.

I guess the religion business is most profitable. Knute Larson, who left the Akron area btw, is off to another life of luxury in Michigan. I do wonder if he ever had to pay his fair share of taxes. Did Knute ever have to actually work for a living other than free-loading off others? I do wonder.

Akron Ohio does not need a phoney like Knute around. He made his BIG money and he left town. So typical of guys like him. Rex Humbard did the same exact thing years ago. Knute is no better than the rest of these phoney boloney preachers who pretend to represent Jesus Christ. Funny thing about all this not one of them even knew or met Jesus Christ in person, who was an Jew from Israel. Who are these liars trying to deceive?


Posted by: Bruce Morrow (Madison Wisconsin) on May 27, 2009 11:30AM
i am someone who is from the inner city who has had the pleasure of knowing MR. Larson. He probably saved my life. he planted a seed in me that has made me the man i am today. i am so grateful to have met this man. He is one of the most humble and modest person ive ever met in my life. He always gives all the glory to god never to himself. He spoke up for those whom otherwise would not have a voice.i am one of those people.


Posted by: flt123 (akron, oh) on May 17, 2009 5:00PM
Sorry to hear your thoughts Bruce. I've been to dinner at the Larson's home and know after seeing their condo that is no bigger than a small house, they do not live in luxury. It's easy to take shots from a distance, but I work with him and know how he does live, and it's very modest.


Posted by: Kay Jennings (Akron, Ohio) on May 8, 2009 2:58PM
Thanks for all you've done Knute. You will be missed.


Posted by: Kay on May 8, 2009 2:54PM
I know Mr. Morrow and know what he saith is absolutely true.

The Chapel doth cater to the rich $$$ and well-to-do.

I too was treated "differently" by the men of The Chapel. Talk about be respecter of persons.

All I can is good-bye Knute. Enjoy the good life in Michigan Sir.


Posted by: Shemp Lesnak (Akron Ohio) on April 10, 2009 1:26PM
"It's easy for Mr. Morrow to sit back some 2 hours from Akron and comment on Pastor Larson. Knute has selflessly labored for 25 years to serve the people of Akron and surrounding communities. Knute is the "CEO" to 10,000 members. He is a humble man of integrity who has impacted many lives in a positive manner. We are very thankful to be a part of the Chapel family and to have been led and taught by Knute Larson. Of course he should be paid for the job he does. If you were to compare a business of equal size to the business of the Chapel we would venture to guess that Pastor Larson is under paid!Thanks Knute"-Interesting comment. Apparently this poster does not realize I was raised in the City of Akron and attended Mr.Larson's church for years. I should know a thing or two about Mr.Larson and The Chapel.

I can say more...like how this church treats people but I'll allow heaven to reveal this at the judgment.

All I can say after my experience at The Chapel I learned (the hard way) never to trust churches or ministers. I'm not happy to say this either. Actually it's quite sad. :(


Posted by: Bruce Morrow (Near Marietta Oho) on April 6, 2009 2:11PM
It's easy for Mr. Morrow to sit back some 2 hours from Akron and comment on Pastor Larson. Knute has selflessly labored for 25 years to serve the people of Akron and surrounding communities. Knute is the "CEO" to 10,000 members. He is a humble man of integrity who has impacted many lives in a positive manner. We are very thankful to be a part of the Chapel family and to have been led and taught by Knute Larson. Of course he should be paid for the job he does. If you were to compare a business of equal size to the business of the Chapel we would venture to guess that Pastor Larson is under paid!Thanks Knute!


Posted by: Michael Leonard and Mary Leonard (Stow, Ohio) on February 5, 2009 8:52PM
Looks like rich Knute will be heading for Michigan.

He had it real good while in Akron Ohio. Got a new car every three years, lived in the best part of Akron plus he got over $100,000 in salary from The Chapel. Compare him to Jesus Christ, the saviour he claims to represent. This Jesus had "no place to lay his head" and was rejected and hated and put on a cross to die like a common criminal. Knute on the other hand is praised by the men of this world aand loved by the same. Makes one wonder...


Posted by: Bruce Morrow (Marietta Ohio) on February 4, 2009 4:01PM
Great story...WELL DONE WKSU !!! Thanks for taking the time to honor a man who has been so faithful to his, God, church and community for 25 years!


Posted by: Tom (Cleveland OH) on February 3, 2009 3:22PM
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