Pastor Carsten and his wife Linda were born and raised in Michigan. As an Electrical Contractor they bought, remodeled and sold several homes. They did this quite successfully before they were saved, and heeded the call to ministry in 1979. They completed their studies at Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

They pastored their first church in Montrose, Michigan just north of Flint. They have been Senior Pastors of Cleft of The Rock Family Church since its beginning in 1990. This is the second work they have pioneered. They have four children, and six grandchildren. Their children are all married and serve together with their spouses at CRFC.

Pastor and Mrs. Carsten are currently the Sectional Directors in Northern Michigan for the Rhema Ministerial Association International, (RMAI). They are looking forward to establishing more churches in Michigan.