Senior Pastor, Russ Berg email
Russ has been our Senior Pastor since 1992. His wife and best friend, Melody, are the parents of two married daughters, Autumn and Crystal and are grandparents to Jacob and Brynn.
His ministry background includes serving three previous churches in the areas of Youth, Family Ministry, Christian education and counseling. Russ's passion includes seeing lost find Jesus, communication of the Word, and leadership development through men's discipleship groups.
Melody and he enjoy being grandparents, rollerblading, biking, having folks over, and growing together in God's grace.
He earned a B.A. in Evangelism and Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute, an M.A in Educational Ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
Senior Associate Pastor of Administration and Missions, Troy Nelson email
Troy is the Senior Associate Pastor of Administration and Missions at MGEFC. Troy and Barb have three children, Alyssa, Ryan and Joshua. All are native Minnesotans and Viking Fans.
Troy came to MGEFC from Berean Baptist in Burnsville, Minnesota where he served from 1997-2003 as the Director of Equipping Ministries. Troy has a B.S. from Liberty University with a minor in Greek and a M. Div. from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
Troy & Barb also enjoy traveling and camping with their family.
Worship Associate, Jeff Warren email
Jeff has been working at MGEFC as Worship Ministry Associate since 2002. He and his wife Megan have four amazing children, Karis, Isaac, Celia, and Maggie who fill their lives with joy and constant excitement.
Jeff also teaches classical and jazz guitar at North Central University in Minneapolis . While living in Chicago , Jeff taught guitar at Olivet Nazarene University , Chicago Academy for the Arts, and Moody Bible Institute.
He received a BA in Music Performance and Advanced Theory from Trinity International University and a MM from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University . Jeff enjoys music, soccer (watching and playing), and hockey.
Adult Ministry / CARE and Women's Ministries Director, Becky Peterson email
My husband Roger and I have been attending Maple Grove Free since 1983 as new believers seeking to learn more about God and His word. We visited one sunday and never left. Our three children, Matt, Breanne and Megan have all been raised here at MGEFC. What a blessing it has been to be surrounded by our church family throughout the years.
My heart and passion is to watch God working in the lives of others as they seek become fully devoted followers of Christ. I am humbled when God allows me to be a part of another's life and experience the life change that only comes from our Master's hand.
When not at church I can be found out in my garden, walking, biking, reading or just plain enjoying time with my husband and kids.
"Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17
Director of Small Groups and Equipping Ministries, Danielle Allen email
Danielle is our Director of Small Groups. She came to MGEFC originally, after moving to Minnesota from Chicago to study at Bethel Seminary.
Danielle's ministry experience ranges from children and youth to adult, but has found her passion in helping adults grow in their relationship with and become like Christ so that they can serve Him. She holds an M.A. in Theological Studies from Bethel Seminary.
She and her delightful 16 pound dog "Moose" live in Maple Grove!.
Pastor of Youth Ministries , Paul Stewart email
A native Minnesotan, Paul grew up in Edina and has just returned to Minnesota after four years of student ministry in San Diego, CA. Paul is a graduate of Bethel College ('93) and has a degree in Biblical and Theological Studies, with an emphasis in Youth ministry and Psychology. He is now in his 15th year as a youth pastor.
Paul is has been married, for 14 years, to his wife Karie and they have three children, Isaiah (10), Paige (8), Ella (5). Paul joined our staff in 2007 and lives in Maple Grove.
Director of Youth Ministries , Toni Sather email
Toni has served the past 8 years in in the Junior High Oasis Ministry. She has been married to her husband Judd for 24 years and has 3 daughters, Ashlynn, Janaya, and Annali.
Her youth ministry background began as a college student. She trained 4 years at the "Campus Crusade for Christ" Training Center in discipleship and evangelism. Toni was on staff and trained 5 years at Grace Church Eden Prairie, as a campus missionary intern.
Her passion is working with youth and seeing God work in and through students!
Children's Director, Kristy Kratky email
Kristy Kratky is the Director of Children's Ministries and has been on staff since 1988. Kristy's first teaching experience came in her junior year of high school when the 11th grade girls' Sunday School teacher said she would quit before having Kristy in her class so she graduated to the role of teacher early. From that time on Kristy's passion has been to make being at church the best part of a child's week.
She has been married to Bruce for 27 years and has three teenage daughters and one Springer Spaniel. In her spare time Kristy enjoys reading, walking and going anywhere with a beach.
Missionaries to the Community , Pastor Del & Jeanne Laitenen email
Del Laitinen is Pastor of Congregational Care at Maple Grove Evangelical Free Church. He and his wife Jeanne are parents of two married daughters and one son that died while he was serving the Lord in full time ministry. They also have ten grandchildren, including one granddaughter-in-law and two great grandchildren. The Lord rescued their marriage around the time their first grandchild was born.
Del & Jeanne have been serving the Lord together in missions and various ministries for the past twenty years. They have a passion for the lost and those that are hurting in our world that are in need of "a touch from God."
"The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18
Financial Manager, Julie Roberts email
Office Manager & Assistant to Senior Pastor, Lynn Hanf email
Adult Ministry Coordinator, Lynette Aanerud email
Youth Ministry Coordinator, Jane Rice email
Children's Ministry Assistant, Cassie Engwall email
Communications Coordinator, Shawn Rockwell email
Parish Nurse, Miriam Blalock email
Preteen Coordinator, Mark Neubauer email