Christ Lutheran Church Team
Chris & Sannie Magnell
Pastor Chris Magnell was born in in Minneapolis, Minnesota and raised in Minnetonka and Eden Prairie, Minnesota, with a stint in southern California. He graduated from Hopkins High School, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Luther Seminary. He is married to Sannie Magnell, and together they have three kids – Wes (25), Noah (19) and Maggie (18).
After interning at Lutheran Church of Hope, in West Des Moines, Iowa, and graduating from Luther Seminary, Chris was ordained in 2001, at Lutheran Church of the Cross, a charter LCMC congregation. Since then, he has served congregations in Iowa, Florida and Wisconsin, and a term on the LCMC Board of Trustees.
Chris is also a Chaplain in the Army Reserve. Commissioned in 2003, he deployed to Iraq in 2006-2007 and spent three years in Germany from 2019-2022. He is currently a Colonel, and recently served at the Army Reserve Aviation Command, and will take over as Command Chaplain at the United States Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command in the fall of 2026.
He enjoys theology and history, running, skiing, most things outdoors, reading, and spending time with people.
Jon & Kiana
Children’s Ministry Directors
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.’”
Peg Saunders
Worship & Music Director
Peg Saunders has loved music and singing since she was a child and was involved in plays and choir at church and school. From planting church’s to being a mom of three and always leading worship, her heart is to honor God and fulfill Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.”
Peg is thrilled to be at CLC and be a part of this God-loving congregation.
Tami Greenwood
Office Administrator
(763) 479-2373 ext.16
Tami is the office administrator at Christ Lutheran Church. Her journey at CLC began in July 2014. Tami does her best to keep things running smoothly at CL and tries to make everyone feel welcome here.
Tami has a wonderful, funny, creative, and musically talented husband named Bill. They love being in the great outdoors together biking, cross country skiing, and kayaking. She and Bill enjoy singing and sharing Bill’s original music whenever they can. They have seven adult children and nine beautiful grandchildren.
Tami is so grateful that God uses our struggles in life for His good purpose ~ Romans 8:28. She is passionate about her walk with Jesus, and wants to reflect him in all she does.
