Lou and Michele Fortier
About Michele and Lou
Michele and Lou have followed Jesus together and led churches from before they were married. Lou loves to dive deep into the Bible, and Michele is a relationship builder and prayer warrior. They enjoy doing life together, outdoor activities, and thrive at the beach and the mountains. Their grandchildren are in Australia, so getting to hold them is a high priority. They are passionate Jesus followers, love the church, but don’t usually fit well within a churchy box. Lou and Michele are living God’s great adventure and want to help others as the Body of Christ. If you want to grow closer to Jesus in a liberating way, they are making a place at the table for you to know Jesus better, connect with other encouraging people, and get growing. It’s a new day; let’s go!
Hobbies and Interest
Pastor Lou and Michele love the outdoors. They can frequently be seen at the beach or the mountains. They love skiing and hiking. People have even spotted them on hiking trails in the rugged hills of Kansas. Lou loves cooking and considers it his artistic expression. By far, their greatest passion is their family. Now that their grand little ones are down under in Sydney, they do everything they can to be with them.
Michele’s Educational Background
Michele graduated from Oak Ridge High School in Orlando, Florida. She is a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in Special Education. After teaching for several years, she taught her children and now works at an elementary school in Overland Park, Kansas.
Lou’s Educational Background
Lou graduated from Buchholz High in Gainesville, Florida. He attended Palm Beach Atlantic University, where he earned a degree in Bible with a minor in Koine (Biblical) Greek. His master’s degree in divinity includes biblical languages, backgrounds, and interpretation. Lou earned his master’s and doctor’s degrees from Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. His dissertation focused on the biblical foundations for worship and how they intersect with spiritual gifts.
Lou and Michele’s Church Experience
Lou served as a youth minister (with Michele’s help) in the summer of 1983. After their marriage and moving to seminary, Lou served as a youth and children’s minister for a few years in Cleburne, Texas. After seminary, they worked with youth and children in Chipley, Florida. Pastor Lou served two churches as Senior Pastor for almost twenty years. The first in Mobile, Alabama, and the second in Overland Park, Kansas.
Lou’s Teaching Experience
Lou is a full-time professor at Liberty University serving on the doctoral level. He also has a part-time company for editing dissertations and other academic work. Over the years, Dr. Fortier has taught with several colleges and seminaries and has done consulting with online colleges.
Lou and Michele’s Family
Michele and Lou married in 1985 at their home church in Gainesville, Florida. They have three children (Brennan, Karis, and Jonathan). In 2016 they gained an Australian daughter-in-law and now have two grandbabies (Lyla and Atlas).