Pastor Larry Paulsen is the founder and pastor of Word of Truth Family Church located in Rapid City, SD. He was born in Pender, Nebraska, and grew up in the Sioux City, Iowa, area. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving his country honorably until his discharge in 1984.

Pastor Larry has been married to his wife, Melodie, since 1983, and, together, they have been blessed with four children, Jami, Leah, Larry “Alan”, Jr., and Ashley, and an abundance of grandchildren. He served his local church, Cornerstone World Outreach, while attending Word of Faith Leadership and Bible Training Center until the call of God took him to Atlanta, Georgia, where he served and ministered at Rose of Sharon Ministries. In 1992, Pastor Larry began a tenure as a successful sales manager in the business world, while actively submitted to and serving in the local church, teaching various leadership and new member classes.

In 1999, Pastor Larry was ordained to full-time ministry under the leadership of Pastor Bryan White. Following the direction of the Holy Spirit, he moved his family to Rapid City, South Dakota, pioneering Word of Truth Family Church under the spiritual leadership of Dr. Larry Gordon. He has a tremendous passion for teaching and preaching the uncompromised Word of God, coupled with a love for God’s people. His contagious spirit of generosity overflows throughout every facet of ministry, which includes a passion for the people of the nation of Albania, where he travels frequently to preach, teach, and help re-establish the gospel in that part of the world.