Pastor Appreciation Wall

He speaks the truth from the Bible and meets people where they are at and loves on everyone and treats them like the forever family they are.

Ken is a very kind, caring, giving, and joyful individual. The patients on my unit usually don’t get the best of news, have long recovery times (spending several weeks or months at the hospital), are overwhelmed with their new diagnosis, and forced lifestyle changes, but then there is Ken. He’s right there with the patients, family members, and friends. Ken provides comfort, a listening ear, prayers, and most importantly lots of laughter. He is well loved not only by our patients and their loved ones but our staff as well. The hospital wouldn’t be the same without him there. I am so grateful for his presence and spirit filled self. He has touched the life is so many souls when they needed it the most.

Each week his sermons speaks directly to you. He does so much for our church family and makes himself readily available all the time. I appreciate how he talks about his like and difficulties and relates to everyone there.

His Kindness, Truthfulness, and focus on the Gospel .. Such an incredible Pastor !!!

He made church fun again. And brought me back from the shadows and helped me bring my family to Jesus!!!!

Pastor Mike has dedicated his life to servant hood, he will give the clothes off his back for you. He is a prayer warrior, a man of passion to serve any person. He is kind, funny, always has a joke, and willing to help with any job big or small. I can’t say enough about him. The Lord has changed his life and he lives to show this to others.

Where do I begin?! Pastor Laurel Bunker is Charismatic, she delivers a message like no other! She can move me to tears, laughter, enlightenment, and transformation. I am so inspired from the moment she starts speaking. You can feel the love she holds in her heart, and soul for Jesus. (and us as children of God). She is truly a messenger. I believe with all my heart and soul that I am a better person, Christian, and child of God after Laurel reminds us, teaches, guides, and communicates why and whom we are here for. I thank God for her and bless her for all she is. Thank you ktis, I appreciate being able to nominate such a beautiful person as Pastor Laurel.

Joah is down to earth, practical in Christian living and giving. He always gives messages that leave you yearning and hungry for more of HIM. He is good at sharing his own downfalls and being fully transparent while giving hope for all that we can make it and we can succeed. If you fall, don’t stay there, get up and try try again. He is inspiring to listen to and always shows where it is in the Bible and gives a back story and asks, “do you see the full picture.” He is truly an amazing man of God

Father Tom is relatable, humble, charismatic and friendly. He always made parishioners smile and laugh. Father Tom recently was assigned a new parish (Saint Felix and Saint Agnes) and he will be dearly missed by Holy Spirit Church in Rochester!

Jeremy is a great pastor. He is encouraging and welcoming of everyone. I appreciate his leadership and biblical teaching. Thanks for all you do for our community. We are blessed to have you as our pastor.

Fr. John is so kind and compassionate! He knows his congregation well and serves as the face of Jesus on a daily basis! His sermons are so very good – the Lord speaks through him! He has a fantastic sense of humor and a great laugh! He is always present in the moment. We are so lucky to have him at IHM.

He listens to the Voice of the Lord and preaches what the Lord directs him to. Him and his wife Ronna always make us feel so special and loved.

Pastor Kurt has a servant heart. He also preaches beautifully in an engaging way while remaining true to what the Bible says and God wants for us. The content of his message is something my husband, my three teenagers, and I really appreciate. He also teaches an hour long Bible study that includes small group discussion with our tables every week. It’s very well led. His wife plays piano beautifully for our church services and his adult son team teaches the eighth graders with me for Sunday school. I know he’s a well sought after pastor (has received a number of calls from other congregations asking him to be their pastor) and we are so thankful he’s our pastor.

He’s real. Straight forward. Encouraging. Stays true to God’s word and has a heart for helping men give their First and Best to God, everyday!

I’ve only been at this church for about a month but I really love how biblically sound our pastor is and his heart for his congregation is very inspiring! This church feels like home!

Fr. Yanta encourages each of us to have a close relationship with the Triune God, dive into the weekly gospel with our family, and experience God’s love through community. He’s a dynamic homilist, and tries to include everyone in deep contemplation about what God is doing in our lives.

Father Jason does an amazing job with outreach, and has a very beautiful way of engaging with people of all ages. Although he is gentle natured and his sermons are delivered gently and with humor, the impact of his words leaves a lasting mark.

Father Tim is very interpersonally connected with his parishioners. Even though he has a big job, he always takes time to stop and visit, and inquire about how things are going personally.

When my fiancé and I first went to this church, three years ago, we were on the verge of separating. Everyone feels that every sermon was especially written for them. Our pastor is so passionate, and he shows his true emotions., he’s just so real. Our church has grown to 3 services. We’ve never felt closer to God than we feel right now. This church and our pastor helped us grow our relationship with God and each other. Our pastor started this church from the ground up and has preached from day one that this is a relational church and we are one big family and we truly are. I thank God for sending us Pastor Justin. I don’t think we’d be still together if he hadn’t.

We are the family of Dave. Dave ‘s words were full of love and passion. His love for everyone and especially children, and his children ministry were right at their level. Even though he passed away we will continue to share Jesus’s love to others.

The way he goes above and beyond to serve God’s people. He will stop at nothing to see God’s people being set free! What I appreciate about my Pastor is that he is a very selfless individual. Apostle Samuel is always there for his members whether rain or sunshine he shows up for us. Apostle doesn’t only preach the word of God but he is a demonstration of God’s word so that we as sheep can follow his leadership. There is not a time when someone is in trouble, needs advice or encouragement Apostle Samuel is always there to pick up the phone at any hour. 5 years ago was in a situation where I did not have a home to go to anymore and Apostle Samuel and his family said that no matter what they will help me. They helped me strengthen my spiritual life, gave me a car, helped me get an apartment and so much more. I am so grateful to God for the Man of God that I am under!

He’s always been there for me. He came to the hospital when my dad died and prayed with him before he passed. I had open heart surgery last year and he came over and prayed before I went to the hospital. And he also baptized me.

Father Joe was so warm and welcoming when I returned to the Catholic Church and to his parish. He is kind, warm and friendly, funny, a beautiful preacher! His homilies always teach us something and help us grow in our faith. Our parish supports many ministries and Father Joe is a big part of that, supporting those who make all of that happen. Father Joe loves God so much, loves his parish, and continues to show that in all that he does.

I met Tania when I was 14, I was nanny to her 2 beautiful girls. I looked up to her as a youth and now 35 years later, I am truly blessed to call her my friend. During my hardest times she is who I call when I need some reassurance in my faith. Tania lifted my up when my mother and my brother died, my faith was broken and she helped find my way back. We meet for coffee and catch up about our families and that time truly makes me happy. Tania has always been my favorite preacher, so engaging and enthusiastic about God and reaching out to others. She has been devoted to God’s ministry for so long and she has touched my heart in ways I cannot explain. I have tried, but just a thank you to her is never enough. She is a blessing! Love you T!

Pastor Mike is an amazing Pastor. Mike makes every sermon understandable and throws in some comedy. Every single sermon Mike preaches relates to me and comforts me. I was in a very dark place when a friend invited me to go with her and I’ve gone constantly since then and that was a couple years ago. When you walk into Rochester Assembly you just feel overwhelmed with love. I always feel the Holy Spirit and the Lord breathing into my lungs while singing with the Worship group. I had even been water baptized here as well. I honestly don’t know where I would be right now without Rochester Assembly and Pastor Mike.

He gives the best sermon I’ve ever heard and welcomes you with open heart.

She is so dedicated to the Lord. Her sermons are so meaningful. Each one gives us direction for our lives in Christ. She seems tireless with all of the activities that goes on at the church.

At 90 years of age, he brings decades of study, experience and understanding to his sermons. Most pastors wouldn’t have the energy or mental clarity to continue to serve a community as he does–and single-handedly! Pastor Harvey is loved for his passion, humor, and wisdom. He drives from Brooklyn Park to Cambridge every week just to shepherd our church and we are incredibly grateful. This remarkable man deserves recognition! You couldn’t find a more unique and worthy vicar of Christ!

I appreciate that he spends so much time With God to prepare a sermon every week for the church. I appreciate that he Shows humility in front of the whole congregation and is just a real human being. He does not put himself on a pedestal, but always gives glory to God. I also appreciate the relationship he has with his wife and his children. I can see the fruit that he has nurtured in his family.

I’m so grateful Pastor Eric said, “yes!” to God when He asked him to shepherd the hurting flock at Summit with No Pay for three years! Under his leadership, teaching and loving we have grown from a small 50 or so congregation to a still growing (in love of the Lord and others) 250 saved souls. Because of his yes to no salary, Eric travels a lot to speaking engagements with the Toby Mac team and others to earn a living for his family of five. There have been many a Sunday mornings he has flown in on the red-eye, slept at the church for a couple hours, before preaching to his flock.

He is compassionate, prayerful, Brings the Word of God ! He is always willing to help and restore. Where do I start? I have known Pastor since his dad became our pastor when I was 11 yrs old. Pastor Mike was not much more than a toddler. I was his Sunday School teacher. He became an adult and he wasn’t convinced God had called him, a few trials later and God him convinced. He took over when his father retired and has been pastoring for over 20 yrs now. Pastor is very real, normal, down to earth and reaches people where they are. He is also the local FD Chaplin. He spends time with people at their worst moments and prays with them and uplifts them. He doesn’t condone sin but doesn’t condemn you either, that’s Gods job. A caring, compassionate, anointed man of God that is a blessing to those both in his church and those around him. I’m thankful for him every single day, but once a year its nice to really let him know how much.

PC has preached the Word of God to our youth group faithfully and cares about each student’s and teacher’s growth in their faith. We are thankful for his and his family’s ministry at our church. They are such a blessing to us.

Pastor Roger served Berean for 30 years and was set to retire, but when the church needed him he continued on with serving the church for several more years. He finally just retired this year. I’m so thankful for his teaching, his compassion, his humility and his faithfulness to the people at Berean. Praying that he and his wife Joanne enjoy their well deserved retirement.

During our toughest moments, she has been our anchor, offering a comforting presence and prayers to soothe our weary souls. She held our hands when our youngest daughter underwent open-heart surgery at just 9 months due to a birth defect, and she supported us through the heart-wrenching journey of my husband’s triple organ transplant (double lung, heart, and kidney). Currently, he’s recovering at the Mayo Clinic. Moreover, she has connected us with our church community, providing vital support during our times of need, giving us strength and peace through her unwavering faith and prayers.

Geo Linna is the best youth pastor any teenager could ask for. As her daughter I have seen her change so many teenagers lives by showing them Jesus’s love and grace. She is the most selfless and loving person and shows Gods love and compassion to every single person she meets. we are are lucky to have a Geo Linna in our lives!

Cindy leads our marriage ministry. She is always very encouraging and knows how to point you to be more like Jesus.

My husbands selflessness gives many hope in recovery.

Ed Clemens is the current pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church. I may be biased because he is my father, but he is a truly wonderful pastor and I love him dearly. He has taught me many things one of the most important being to trust and wait on God’s timing. If I had to choose one Bible verse that encapsulates the example he has set it would be Philippians 4:11-13 “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Thank you Dad for all you do for the Church and for being the best dad a girl could pray for! I love you!

Pastor Chris and his family moved here from another state 2 years ago, with young children, away from family and friends and have been a wonderful part of our church family. Pastor Chris is super dedicated and a fresh inspirational leader for our church. Pastor Chris is dedicated to spreading the good news locally around the metro area as well as around the world through missionary support! His wife Amber serves tirelessly at the church as well even though she has a FT job. Pastor Chris is a friend, confidant, missionary, leader, everything you want in an engaged Pastor and we are SUPER luck to have him and his family as our spiritual leaders at EPAG!

As a result of Pastor David Lenz following God’s calling to become the Lead Pastor of Hope Presbyterian Church in Richfield, MN nearly 22 years ago, my life has been greatly enriched. His love for God and His Word which he brings to life using fresh perspectives always provides a deeper understanding of Scripture. Pastor Dave leads a weekly, “Prayer with the Pastors” group where we devote time to prayer and also dive deeply into a chosen book from the Bible, to study in detail. Through this study, I have gained greater insight into understanding God’s messages to us. Pastor Dave worked tirelessly as he led Hope Church’s major remodel that encompassed a 5 year building project which was celebrated in its reopening in December of 2022. The main impetus was to draw people to Christ through Hope Church’s welcoming presence in the community. Thanks to the strong, godly leadership of Pastor Dave, this is taking place, and it is very exciting to see a vibrant Hope Church that is welcoming and growing – notably in young families. The overriding comment heard in the Hope Church community is that this is an ‘exceptional’ church. In any organization, ‘exceptional’ starts at the top. At Hope Church, exceptional begins with Pastor David Lenz. “Thank you, Lord” – To God Be The Glory!!!

I am grateful and thankful to God for blessing our church with a humble, loving and faithful pastor. Pastor Song thank you for loving us, shepherding us, teaching and showing us how to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Not only do you serve the church with a servant’s heart, you also serve the community and your own home as a loving wife and a caring mother to 3 teenagers. You shepherd our church with humbleness, love and dedication. But what I am most grateful for is your love for God and His people. You give your time, your energy and your resources to God and His people, in stopping to pray for them, taking time out of your busy schedule to sit and listening to them or take time to pick up someone for church on a Sunday. God sees and knows all that you do. He sees the countless hours you spend in prayer with Him, studying His Word and preparing sermons, Bible study and Bible College class lessons. You go out of your way to shepherd, love and care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Thank you for loving God and loving us with your whole heart, mind and soul.

Pastor Joe is always so available to the congregation. He is always willing to stay really late after services on Sunday to speak with us parishioners. He answers every question without making us feel rushed. Even when the Vikings are playing. His love for the children and youth in the church is so beautiful. Pastor Joe’s live for Jesus is so evident in everything he does and says. Nobody walks away from him without hearing the truth of Jesus.. Thank you pastor Joe!!! We love you!

He is the Best pastor, and good at mentoring. Thank you we appreciate you!

My pastor started his nondenominational church in the basement of his home. A few people shared his passion to have a church that taught people how to LOVE like Jesus and LIVE like Jesus. Today the church meets in the gym of a school and has many people of all ages excited to learn how to do just that! Pastor Aaron’s messages are rooted in the scripture – always! He sugar coats nothing. His goal is to bring as many people as possible along on life’s journey to serve God, tell all about Him and join him in eternity with our Heavenly Father. The spirit moves through the music and his message every time we gather for worship. Pastor Aaron is open about his own struggles and his need for the Lord in his life. He is a devoted husband and father. He is an incredible guy who leads his own family and his church family to choose the Jesus way!

He is Godly, humble and an excellent Biblical communicator.

Pastor Mary has such a heart for those struggling with addiction and trauma. She teaches from her own life experiences. God has given her a real insight into the hearts of hurting people. Not only does she pastor at TBO twice weekly, if not more, she also works with people in recovery and their families by providing housing thru “Mission 61” in the Cambridge and Mora areas. Also she and her husband, Pastor Vern, have Word of Life Church (between Cambridge and Princeton). But TBO (The Bridge Outreach) is where Pastor Mary has that extra special ministry. There’s so much more that she does to minister to the hurting even up to the Red Lake Reservation. I’m amazed at the energy that she has, but there’s so many people hurting and her heart wants to gather the hurting in to know God’s peace, love and salvation. She even gets calls at all hours to assist families in crisis when someone has overdosed. There are weekly recovery and support groups going on at TBO. My words seem so minute in describing how I see Pastor Mary and the extensive ministry God has put her in for those people who many would consider outcasts. For all the many hours of teaching, out reaches, sleepless nights, miles driven, praying, fasting, crying for and with God’s broken and hurting people. Honestly I don’t know her that well personally and I’ve missed a lot of services but I know God is using her in this ministry and many have come to know Jesus and salvation due to Pastor Mary’s caring heart.

I appreciate his kindness and honesty and biblical foundations.

Pastor Ben is very caring and encouraging and does a wonderful job of preaching the word!