Everyone messes up! And when I mess up I really hope that you will forgive me. I hope you will look past the offense into my heart to see that I’m really not a bad guy, that I didn’t mean to hurt you so much. I hope you will cut me some slack and give me a break – I hope you will really, truly forgive me from your heart. BUT on the other hand, when YOU mess up, when YOU hurt ME – well, now, that is really a serious offense!!!! I’m going to have to think about this forgiveness stuff! ------ Is this the way it’s supposed to work?
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Paul Murphy, Interim senior pastor
Pastor Paul has pastored for 30 years. Calvary is his 13th "intentional interim" ministry.
Vision for Ministry
The church is "how" the world sees and comes to find the good news of the gift of relationship with God through faith in Christ.
My passion is seeing congregations healthy and productive for Christ - as His body in the world.
About Paul
Paul has been married to Liz since 1977. They make their home in Apple Valley, MN. They have 3 adult children and 1 adorable granddaughter.
Both Paul and Liz are native Californians, having met at UC Santa Barbara. Paul graduated with an Masters of Divinity from Denver Seminary. For fun, Paul
enjoys gardening, reading (history, mysteries and biographies), hiking and getting out in nature. He has dabbled in karate, banjo and motorcycles.
Sid Veenstra, ASSOCIATE PASTOR
Pastor Sid provides pastoral care and counseling (individual, premarital and post marital and family) at Calvary and is devoted to listening and encouraging those he meets.
Vision for Ministry
“My vision is to see Calvary become a place where people are encouraged to grow in Christian faith within the context of a caring, ministering community of believers.”
About Sid
Sid and his wife, Char, live in White Bear Township and have four adult children-two by birth and two by covenant. He also has two granddaughters and one grandson that bring him so much joy. He enjoys antiques, furniture refinishing, and sports. He pastored churches in California, Massachusetts, and in St. Paul prior to coming to Calvary in 1988. Sid is a graduate of Briercrest Bible College, Bethel College (B.A. in Psychology), and Bethel Seminary (M. Div.; D. Min. in Marriage and Family).
Char Veenstra, Pastor of discipleship ministries
Char provides leadership in developing environments for Christian discipleship—encouraging people in becoming mature followers of Jesus Christ.Through Calvary's developmental support process, D.E.S.I.G.N., she facilitates coaching and mentoring with individuals and small groups, helping people discover that place “where the gladness of their hearts and the world’s deep needs meet”.
Vision for Ministry
"I am inspired when I see people growing in love and devotion to Jesus, saying no to the things that stop them from becoming the person God calls them to be, and yes towards the dreams that God has planted deep inside them. I want to partner with the Holy Spirit in stirring Christ Followers into vivid companionship with Jesus and wholehearted display of His love and beauty to others."
About Char
Char and her husband, Sid, live in White Bear Township, and have four adult children—two by birth and two by marriage covenant! Three grandchildren bring indescribable joy to her life! Char is a graduate of Bethel Seminary, St. Paul, MN.
CHRISTY BECHER, DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES
Christy leads the Children's Ministry team at Calvary. Along with a team of gifted program directors and volunteers, she serves children from birth through sixth grade.
Vision for Ministry
"Every time children come to Calvary, they encounter stepping stones. Our ultimate aim is for kids to become devoted followers of Jesus, who make a difference in their world. The programs we offer, the experiences we create and the care that our volunteers bring to their areas of ministry are stepping stones on a path that leads kids to Jesus. I love walking alongside kids and their families as they grow in their faith."
About Christy
Christy and her husband Cory live in Shoreview with their four children. Christy has called Calvary home since she was in second grade. After graduating from Northwestern College in Roseville, Christy taught elementary school for five years. She then joined the Calvary staff as the Elementary Director, serving in that role for 12 years before becoming Director of Children's Ministry. Christy loves getting lost in a good book, watching her kids play sports, and dreams of traveling the world.
Jason Peterson, Director of Communication and pastor of Worship, White Bear Campus
Jason leads Calvary's Communication Ministries as well the worship ministries at our White Bear Campus.
Vision for Ministry
“Each one of us is wired to worship. We were literally made to bring glory and honor to God through worship. This worship includes our times of corporate worship together but needs to extend beyond that time into every facet of our lives. We want to create environments where people can exalt God together and help equip people to offer their whole lives as an act of worship.”
About Jason
Jason and his wife, Kara, have been part of Calvary’s family since 1999 and currently live in New Brighton with their two sons. They love cooking, reading and playing outside together as a family. Jason is currently a student in the Masters of Divinity program at Bethel Seminary’s St. Paul campus.
Jon Taylor, Roseville Campus pastor and Pastor of Contemporary Worship, Roseville campus
Jon serves as the Campus Pastor of Calvary's Roseville Campus as well as provides leadership to the contemporary service.
Vision for Ministry
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that confess His name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:15-16)
About Jon
Jon lives in Arden Hills with his wife, Karla, and two daughters, Charlie and Sydney. He has worked at churches in Chicago, St. Paul, and Minneapolis prior to coming to Calvary in 2008. Jon is a graduate of Wheaton College (B.A. Political Science) and Wheaton College Graduate School (M.A. History and Systematic Theology). If you'd like to know more about Jon, send him an e-mail or talk to him at church.
Linda Rump, pastor of Senior Adult Ministries
Linda provides leadership for and ministers to the senior adults (65+) at Calvary. She oversees three ABF’s (Adult Bible Fellowship) – Sojourners, Kingdom Builders and Ambassadors; Prayer Force and Renewing Prayer ministries; monthly Senior Adult Dinners and Barnabas Lay Pastor Ministry. Linda routinely visits seniors in the hospital and in their homes.
Vision for Ministry
“Our goal is the care of souls-the ministry of presence. Everyone has something to offer to the church-the body of Christ. Since senior adults are in the winter season of life when loss seems to be a constant companion, we offer hospitality-places to connect; and we offer comfort and hope-food for the soul.”
About Linda
Linda and her husband, Rick, live in Vadnais Heights and have two adult children and one grandchild. Before coming to Calvary, she completed chaplaincy training at Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, and was engaged in pastoral ministry at a large Chicago area church. Her current passion is her grandson, Tristan. Linda is a graduate of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois (M. Div.).
Marcella Raine, director of finance / director of support ministries
Marcella, as Director of Finance, provides all ministry areas, Elder Board and Auditors, both internal and external, with financial information to assist with all aspects of Calvary life. As Director of Support Ministries, she assists facilities, food services and office staff to function at an optimum level to support the various ministry areas.
Vision for Ministry
"Money is talked about a lot in the Bible. The Bible gives us instruction on what to give (first fruits), how much to give (tithe), where to give (the local church) and the charge to the local church to use what is given in a God-honoring way to further the Kingdom of God here on Earth. It is my desire to use, in conjunction with the leadership at Calvary, all gifts entrusted to Calvary in the best way possible and keep the congregation informed on how gifts have been spent."
About Marcella
Marcella has been a part of Calvary since its merge with Christ Community Church. She lives in Lino Lakes and has three adult children, two by birth and one by marriage. Three grandchildren bring an enormous amount of joy to her life. She is an avid reader and enjoys many types of crafts and outdoor activities. Marcella is a graduate of San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s in Accounting. She has served in many areas of the church, most recently in assisting with Financial Peace University.
Michelle Kim, Director of Community life, roseville campus
Michelle, as Director of Community Life, gives leadership to the various aspects of connecting adults to various ministry areas within the church.
Vision for Ministry
"My hope is to help people find a place to belong at Calvary where they truly can feel that they are a part of our church family, not just merely a spectator. God gives each of us unique talents and gifts that can be shared with others to benefit our whole community. I love to help people discover how their interests and passions can be used in a way that not only brings joy to them, but to so many more when we are willing to take the time to connect and invest ourselves. The diversity of gifts, each supporting the other, makes the body strong!" “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (I Corinthians 12: 27)
About Michelle
Michelle has been attending Calvary for 19 years and even met her husband of ten years, Rob, in the church pew at Calvary. They live in Shoreview and have two boys who attend a Chinese immersion grade school in Minneapolis. Michelle has worked in outside sales distribution for graphic arts and Telephony development company for twelve years, and spent one year in recruiting and staffing. She loves to entertain, cook, workout, digital scrapbook, write and go camping with her family.
Mike Emmert, White Bear Campus Pastor
Mike serves as campus pastor by shepherding the congregation, leading the campus staff, and extending pastoral care.
Vision for Ministry
“I coached football for 20 years…so my leadership style is one of a coach. It is my desire to encourage and coach people in their relationship with Jesus. I believe there are some very gifted players here that God is developing into a team to have an incredible impact in this metro area and beyond.”
About Mike
Mike and his wife, Marlene, live in Shoreview and have three daughters and one son. Mike’s ministry experience includes serving as a Youth for Christ Director, Youth Pastor and College/Young Adult Pastor. He enjoys watching the food network and trying new recipes and staying connected to ESPN for the latest sports updates. Mike has a B.A. from Bethel University and a B.S. from Minnesota State University.
Tammie Junkans, pastor of Blended Worship, roseville Campus
Tammie provides leadership for the worship choir and blended worship.
Vision for Ministry
“It is my desire that, through worship at Calvary, people encounter God in ways that are life changing. I also hope that musicians at Calvary will find community, grow spiritually, and use their God-given gifts to glorify Him.”
About Tammie
Tammie and her husband, Dean, live in Roseville. They have two children. She loves to read and spend time with friends, and happily puts both of these activities before housework! Tammie has worked at Calvary since August of 2007. She taught music in public and private schools for 20 years. Tammie is a graduate of Bethel University, and is close to completing a Masters in Music Education from the University of St. Thomas.
Tony Smyth, pastor of Student Ministries
Tony provides leadership for Student Ministries (Grades 7-12)
Vision for Ministry
"My hope is that through authentic relationships with caring adults, students would grow a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Christ. I want our teaching, small groups, and even fun times to draw students closer to God who then empowers them to make a difference in the world with His love."
About Tony
Tony and his wife, Kristen, live in Hugo with their daughter, Hailey, and son, Ethan. He enjoys being outside, playing all kinds of sports and spending time with his family. Tony served as the Student Ministries Director at Christ Community Church for two years before the merger with Calvary in 2004. He is a graduate of Bethel College (B.A. In Biblical and Theological Studies) and is currently a student in the Masters of Divinity program at Bethel Seminary.
Vonn Dornbush, pastor of Impact Ministries / Outreach / Missions
Vonn provides leadership for Calvary Impact Ministries of Outreach, Missions and Compassion.
Vision for Ministry
“My goal is to challenge Calvary to grow as disciples of Christ; to establish a kingdom mentality; and to put their faith in action through outreach, service and mission. My hope is that we will see lives changed and hearts expanded, to see the needs of the world through the eyes of Christ, and respond with both compassion and mercy.”
About Vonn
Vonn and his wife, Martha, live in Shoreview, with two of their four children. Their oldest son, Luke, graduated from Bethel University in 2008 and now lives in Burbank, California. Their middle son, Andrew, graduated from Wheaton College in 2010 and is living at home while completing his Masters of Electrical Engineering at the University of Minnesota. Their third son, Jordan, is a freshmen at Wheaton College and plays on the football team. Their youngest child, Charissa, is already a junior at Mounds View High School and is active in the band and on the tennis team. Martha is a full time teacher in the English as a Second Language department at Century College in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.
Before coming to Calvary in 1993, Vonn served in Student Ministries and Christian Education in churches in Florida and Minnesota. For the past three years Vonn has enjoyed leading in the exciting areas of student ministries, outreach and missions at Calvary Church. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota (BA in secondary education and social studies), Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Master of Divinity with a Christian Education emphasis), and Temple Baptist Seminary (D-Min.). Vonn is currently enrolled in the Masters of Business program at Hamline University.