Before retiring in 2015, Michael was the pastor at Church of the Ascension in North Minneapolis and The Basilica of Saint Mary. Acknowledged as a visionary leader in the Twin Cities, Michael is the founder of the popular Basilica Block Party and the Jeremiah Program. He is also recognized for his dedication to interfaith relations, often working with the Downtown Interfaith Pastors Association and the Jay Phillips Center for Jewish Christian Learning Board. Michael serves on the boards of the Ciresi Walburn Foundation for Children, and the Lundstrum Center for the Performing Arts; he is a former board member of the Northside Achievement Zone, Ed Allies, and the Jeremiah Program.