I am thrilled to be at Christ Lutheran Church for the second time. From 2010 to 2015 I served as the Director of Youth and Family ministries at Christ Lutheran before taking a pastor position in Northwest Connecticut. I returned as associate Pastor starting in January 2021. I have been involved in ministry for nearly 20 years, serving churches in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Connecticut as well as spending time as a camp counselor for a few summers while in college.
I grew up in a small town in Eastern North Dakota (Portland) and attended college at NDSU in Fargo where I completed way more calculous classes than any History major ever needs. I just completed my Master of Divinity degree from Lutheran Brethren Seminary in Fergus Falls, MN.
I love Jesus, my amazing wife Anya, and our two sons, Jacob, and Thaddeus. I have a great passion and calling for teaching and shepherding others in their relationship with the Lord.
Some fun facts about me…
Favorite Person of the Bible: John the Baptist and Moses.
Favorite Bible Verse: Ephesians 2:8-10. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Favorite Book: Anything by C.S. Lewis. Favorites include “A Horse and His Boy” and “The Screwtape Letters”.
Favorite Hobby: I love watching movies, my favorites are Christopher Nolan movies, The Lord of the Rings, and anything Star Wars. I love watching and playing sports, particularly basketball. I also love exploring new places (restaurants, cities, bike trails, furniture stores, etc…) with my wife.
Jon and Kiana’s journey began in Cedar Rapids, IA, where they met during their school years, bonding over choir, musicals, and service projects. In 2020, they turned their deep friendship into marriage with a Covid wedding.
Kiana moved to Minnesota in 2018 and became deeply involved in the youth program at Christ Lutheran Church, which profoundly impacted her life. Jon joined the church in 2020 after relocating to Minnesota. Now, in 2024, they are excited to lead the Youth Ministry at Christ Lutheran Church.
During the week, Kiana teaches dance across the Twin Cities, including at CREO Arts and Dance Conservatory, and coaches the dance team at Southwest Christian High School. With a passion for working with children, she finds joy in sharing Jesus’ love through her various roles.
Jon, a manufacturing engineer, spends his days problem-solving, a skill honed during family game nights in his large family—he’s the second youngest of ten children. Fun fact: Jon became an uncle at the age of four and has always been surrounded by kids at family gatherings.
Outside of work, Jon and Kiana enjoy cooking together, taking walks, traveling, and playing golf. They are thrilled about this new chapter of leading the youth at Christ Lutheran Church and sharing their love of Christ. One verse that inspires their ministry is Matthew 19:14: “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’”
I am super excited to be the Worship & Music Director at Christ Lutheran Church. I’ve been involved with music in various churches for over 10 years. I have about 12 years of classical training on the piano, and I also participated in theatre for about 7 years. I have played with a couple bands in the Twin Cities, most notably Matcha Fever. I also teach piano.
I grew up in New Hope, Minnesota, which is about 15 minutes from the city. I currently attend North Central University where I am studying Piano Performance and Business Administration.
I like to golf, camp, run, bike, and basically spend most of my time outdoors. I also like to write original pieces on the piano. A verse that I like going into this new role is Psalms 95:1 “Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.”
I am the administrator here at Christ Lutheran Church. My journey here began in July of 2014. It is such a privilege to be here! I put together our worship folders, newsletters, PowerPoints, assist our accountant and much more.
I have a wonderful, funny, creative, and musically talented husband named Bill. We love being in the great outdoors together biking, cross country skiing, and kayaking. I enjoy singing with Bill and sharing his original music whenever we can. We have seven adult children and 9 amazing grand children.
I am so grateful that God uses our struggles in life for His good purpose ~ Romans 8:28. I am passionate about my walk with Jesus, and I want to reflect him in all I do.