We were launched in 1988 when a few young adults moved from various parts of the Midwest to start Evergreen Community Church. From the start, we didn’t have a desire to become a mega church with a single large location, but to have smaller campuses that can adapt and reach the communities in which God plants them in.
As a pioneer on the multisite church frontier, with cutting edge non-traditional services that were offered in schools, Evergreen grew rapidly throughout the 90’s. Many people came to faith in Jesus during that time and the current campuses were planted then.
In the 2000’s, we purchased pre-existing church buildings in order to have a more stable and ongoing presence in our communities.
Fast forward to 2019 – God was doing significant work on us internally as a church and we felt like He was asking us to make some changes externally as well.
At the start of 2020 we launched a fresh bold vision and a fresh name and brand. More than ever, we feel comfortable for who God has made us as a church! Just like he gives each person unique gifting, skills, and passions, we believe he does that same thing with churches. And so, in a wide spectrum of different sizes and styles of churches (all which are very valuable to the Kingdom), we feel like God has created us to be the “Ace Hardware” of churches – a mid-sized church that is focused on community and cause.
We were launched in 1988 when a few young adults moved from various parts of the Midwest to start Evergreen Community Church. From the start, we didn’t have a desire to become a mega church with a single large location, but to have smaller campuses that can adapt and reach the communities in which God plants them in.
As a pioneer on the multisite church frontier, with cutting edge non-traditional services that were offered in schools, Evergreen grew rapidly throughout the 90’s. Many people came to faith in Jesus during that time and the current campuses were planted then.
In the 2000’s, we purchased pre-existing church buildings in order to have a more stable and ongoing presence in our communities.
Fast forward to 2019 – God was doing significant work on us internally as a church and we felt like He was asking us to make some changes externally as well.
At the start of 2020 we launched a fresh bold vision and a fresh name and brand. More than ever, we feel comfortable for who God has made us as a church! Just like he gives each person unique gifting, skills, and passions, we believe he does that same thing with churches. And so, in a wide spectrum of different sizes and styles of churches (all which are very valuable to the Kingdom), we feel like God has created us to be the “Ace Hardware” of churches – a mid-sized church that is focused on community and cause.
We are stoked about the future path that God has set us on. Here are 4 specific vision goals that we are uniting our church around between now and 2025:
.svg)
God's grace through Jesus Christ is the basis and power, not only of our personal lives but also of our ministry.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8)
Our desire is for our lives to be marked by a wholehearted devotion to God through prayer, reflection, and reading the Bible.
Our ultimate goal and mission is to reach the whole world with the gospel of Jesus Christ and make disciples of all the nations.
We were created to be in relationship with others and with God. We should encourage each other to connect with others, whether that be a simple conversation at church, serving in a ministry together, or by joining a small group.
Our church is led by a plurality of elders (pastors) trained within the church, who demonstrate the pursuit of Christ-like character and are servant-leaders devoted to prayer and the ministry of the Word.
Strong families are the foundation for strong churches. Therefore we make it a priority to equip members and pastors in building their marriages and families.
God has called us, and we desire to show His love by serving others in our community, in our home, and wherever we are. God has given us gifts and skills, and we want to learn how we can use them to best serve those He has connected us with.
All Christians are empowered through the Holy Spirit to be workers in the church, not just the pastors. Therefore, we seek to equip each member to utilize his/her spiritual gifts to serve others.
I was born and raised in Oregon, but we moved around a lot because of my Dad’s job. We eventually landed in Iowa, where I “randomly” attended a church service, during which I placed my faith in Jesus.
At Iowa State University, I majored in chemistry and trained as a scientist. I was on a path to become a doctor, but instead I became a pastor! My spiritual training occurred in the context of interacting with Iowa State students. My pastoral training came through an in-house seminary training program at the local church I attended in Ames, IA.
In 1980, I married a Missouri gal named Mary Early. In my wedding vows, I stated, “It’s better to marry Early, than to marry late!” In 1986, Mary and I had the opportunity to move to Minnesota to pastor a small church in South Minneapolis. God’s hand on us has been kind, and I consider it an honor and privilege to be on the pastoral staff of Hometown Church.
My ministry responsibilities include leading the Sunday service teaching team, as well as helping with regional and national responsibilities within our association of churches. My ministry passion is to help people connect their obedience to Jesus to their love and passion for Him.
In my spare time, I enjoy being with my wife, my three grandkids, family gatherings, playing pickle ball with our three adult sons, and yearly travels back to Oregon. And being the work-nerd that I am, I enjoy crossing things off my to-do list.
I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin and was raised in a traditional church background. It was not until after college in 2001, that the Lord got my attention. God allowed me to restart a relationship with my high-school sweetheart, Michelle, who had just begun to passionately follow Jesus. We were married a year later, and now have seven children. How did that happen?!
In 2013, I left a successful and enjoyable career as an engineering manager to become a pastor of Hometown Church—a career and calling that I enjoy even more! As the executive pastor, I have a behind-the-scenes role focused on organizational management. But I also really like being out on the front lines, working and serving in the community and meeting new people.
Some of my ministry passions include helping people learn how to share their faith, passing on Bible-based parenting principles, and joining in community outreach. My prayer is that our church expresses the love of Jesus through our actions, puts our faith into practice, and changes the way that people think about Christ-followers.
Outside of ministry, I love hunting, playing golf, watching football (especially the Packers or when our two sons are playing), and hanging out with my family doing just about anything.
If you’re interested in reconnecting with God or starting a relationship with Him, I would love to meet with you!
I grew up in a large Irish Catholic family in Milwaukee, WI. My plan was to become a priest. When I learned priests don’t drive motorcycles or have girlfriends, I revised my plans. My wife Judi and I met in college at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. We married in 1982 and have five adult children who are among our closest friends. Prior to becoming a pastor in 1993, I worked as an RN in a trauma center and later went into medical sales.
I love the synergy of Hometown Church’s 2025 Vision, because it combines a path for effective outreach, with an emphasis on growing emotionally healthy disciples. As my 30th anniversary in pastoring approaches, I’m happy to report that I enjoy my work more than ever. I am privileged to serve on the Hometown Church teaching team, on the Senior Leadership Team, and as “point leader” for introducing Emotionally Healthy Discipleship into the life of Hometown Church.
I have been honored to be a pastor at Hometown Church in Lakeville since 2002. My wife Cathy and I began attending in 1990 after I graduated from UW-Madison and moved to Minnesota to take a job at General Mills as a Mechanical Engineer.
Cathy and I have been married since 1989 and are blessed with four incredible children and two amazing grandchildren. I love to golf, fish, hunt, and do just about anything outdoors that allows me to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. Cathy and I also enjoy doing house projects together, as well as just hanging out with our family.
As Campus Pastor, my prayer and desire is for Hometown to be a vibrant, growing church where we excel at helping each other take the next step in knowing Jesus and discovering true life in Him. My passion is to lead us to be a place where we genuinely care for one another and share our lives together. God has used this church in amazing ways to transform my life and family, and I long to see that happen for all who come to join us.
I started attending Hometown Church over 30 years ago. I absolutely love the Hometown church family! I have a passion and love for people, both inside and outside the church. My greatest desire is to see the church transformed and actively engaged in reaching our community and the world beyond with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I truly believe the church is at its best when its people are out of the building.
As the Campus Pastor, I’m responsible for the overall spiritual and operational health of the Bloomington campus. I’m also responsible for ensuring that the church vision is understood, owned, and lived out by every member and attender at our campus.
I have been married to my beautiful wife Brita for 30 years, and we wholeheartedly love our four amazing adult children and six grandchildren.
I have been attending Hometown Church since July 2008. I became a lay pastor in November 2017 and full-time pastor in July 2019. Prior to being a pastor, I was a school counselor for 20 years and I coached various sports for 25 years.
I received a double-major Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Religion/ Philosophy from Indiana Wesleyan University; a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University; a PhD in Global Leadership from Lynn University; and I’m a John Maxwell-certified Coach, Teacher, Trainer, and Speaker.
I have been married to my wife, Charity, since 1997, and we have three children. I enjoy reading, and playing and watching sports. My desire in serving Christ is to motivate, teach, counsel, and help people become men and women of integrity who love Christ and want to share their lives and faith with others. My life passion is to seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness. And after that, I believe everything else will fall into place.
I have been preaching at Hometown Church since 2004. I first visited in 1990 with my fiancée Lisa, who is now my wife. It was at Hometown where I put my faith in Jesus Christ and where I was soon playing guitar in the worship band. I was hired in 1998 as Music Director and I continued in that role until 2018. Before coming to Hometown, I was a full-time musician for 15 years, doing studio work and live gigs in area clubs.
I’m a native of Bloomington, MN. I graduated from Kennedy High School in 1979 and earned an Associate of Arts degree at Normandale Community College. Married since 1990, Lisa and I have two wonderful adult children.
Lisa and I have recorded several albums for kids under the name WORDology. The songs’ lyrics focus on important Bible passages and are available online. Lisa and I also still perform as a duo at area clubs and coffee shops.
My hobbies include biking, blogging, walking, and drawing cartoons. I wrote a book called Less (which is available on Amazon) about a Christian approach to living more simply.
I was born in Columbus, OH; went to high school in Buffalo, NY; got my college degree at Rutgers University in NJ; got a job at Subaru that took me to Chicago; and then finally moved to Minnesota, where I have been living since 1993. I met my wife Deb at a “country” bar, where we both enjoyed line dancing. Don’t laugh! It was very popular at the time. We will be celebrating 25 years of marriage this fall, and have three adult children.
I came to faith in Jesus through the ministry of Hometown Church. I grew up attending church and believed in God, but when a Christian friend asked if I was certain I would go to heaven, I answered, “That would be arrogant to think I’m good enough to get into heaven!” I clearly did not understand the message of the gospel. I placed my faith in Christ in early 1993 during a church message given by Brent Knox. Then God began to get a hold of my heart. I got very involved in church life—serving, leading Small Groups, and teaching the pre-marriage class. I was ordained as a pastor in 2000.
In my role as campus pastor, my focus is on encouraging people and managing the day to day operations and ministries of the church.
For fun, I love cycling. I ride my road bike about 4000 miles a year. I also love to watch football. Since I grew up in Buffalo, I’m a Buffalo Bills fan! But most of all I love to spend time with our family. The nest is nearly empty, but we try to get together as often as we can.
I hate loneliness! I think it is one of the worst calamities in our world today.
My passion is to connect people and to grease the wheels for authentic, “take-off-the-mask” relationships. I was alone and living in Madrid, Spain, a city of 8 million people, when I placed my faith in Jesus Christ. I learned that it’s not simply the presence of people that fulfills us, but connecting with our Creator God and with others that brings depth to life!
My focus as the Connections Pastor is to encourage the development of strong relationships in our church and in our Small Groups, as well as encourage healthy communication and intimacy in marriages.
My education includes a B.S. in Geology and Spanish from Calvin College and a M.S. in Geology from the University of MN. After graduating, I worked as a groundwater geologist for ten years. During that time, I was actively serving the Lord at church and had the honor of going through our in-house pastoral training and was ordained as a pastor in 1998.
My lifelong-love Sue and I have been married since 1992. We met as singles here at Hometown! We’re blessed to have three adult daughters who are following the Lord.
If any of you want to meet for coffee or connect about anything, please contact me. I would love to meet up with you!
