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Zac Bush
Lead Pastor
ConnectI am honored to collaborate with the Woodridge staff, working together to guide Woodridge attenders in their journey to know Jesus and experience growth in Him. Although born and raised a Texan, my passion for hockey and God’s direction led me to Minnesota for my education. I earned my undergraduate degree from Bethel University and a Master's of Theology (ThM) at Dallas Theological Seminary. I married my college tour guide, Cassie, and together we have the privilege of raising our four beautiful children.
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Jana Haugen
Administrative Pastor and Women’s Pastor
ConnectI work to foster the vision and values of our church network, ensuring an infrastructure is in place to support our various ministries effectively. It is a joy helping people take the next step in their faith walk, grow in their relationship with Jesus and connect with one another. I also have the joy of leading Women's Ministry here at Woodridge.
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Annette Jackson
Family Ministry Pastor
ConnectI attended Crown College, where I received my degree in Pastoral Ministry & Psychology. In 1995, I accepted an intern position with Woodridge. Since then, I have fulfilled a variety of meaningful positions within Woodridge leading to my current role. I live in Plymouth with my husband, David, and kids, Corrina and Brandon.
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Ben Howe
Worship Pastor
ConnectI love being able to help cultivate our musical worship and to help our congregation experience and know God through music. I live in Rockford and love creating and producing new songs, studying new languages, and flying around in my paramotor.
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Dan Robillard
Connections and Men’s Director
ConnectA majority of my work life was spent in corporate America, but God had a different plan for me. He closed one door, told me to wait and then blessed me with a role here at Woodridge. I am passionate about coming alongside people and helping them grow into their full God-given potential. I am able to do this by being part of the Adult Ministries team with a focus on Men's Ministries and House Groups. I live in Orono with my amazing wife Emily, and we have been blessed with two wonderful daughters.
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Jared Kingry
Early Childhood Pastor
ConnectI have the joy of walking alongside our littlest ones as they take first steps in faith and begin to experience God's love in real and lasting ways. As a certified Parent Coach with Connected Families, I’m passionate about equipping parents with grace-filled, practical tools for the everyday moments of home life. I live in Hopkins with my wife, Natalie, and our three amazing kids—Junia, Linden, and Shepherd.
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Annika Swanson
Elementary Pastor
ConnectI studied education at Bethel University and was an Intern for the church my last year of college. I am blessed to now have the opportunity to teach kids about how much Jesus loves them. My passions include working with kids, spending quality time with my family and friends, and being outside. I also have the privilege of leading a high school small group here on Wednesday nights.
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Johanna Johnson
Middle School Director
ConnectI first said ‘yes’ to Jesus when I was a high schooler at Woodridge and now have the privilege of working with both middle and high school students. I love reminding them of how deeply they are cherished and known by God! I graduated from Bethel University with a degree in ministry and Biblical and theological studies and have a passion for teaching students to engage with God and their questions about faith.
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Emily Robillard
Special Needs Ministry Associate
ConnectI have worked with kids and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities for over half of my life. I believe everyone deserves access to the good news, no matter their ability or disability. In my role I am now able to minister and share the love of Jesus with individuals and their families. I am married to my wonderful husband Dan (who also works at Woodridge as the Connections and Community Associate), and we have two incredible daughters, Harlee and Hazel. We live on a small hobby farm in Orono, where I love to spend time with my goats and chickens.
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Meredith Jacobson
Communications Associate
I grew up in rural northern Minnesota, where I first experienced God’s love through the beauty of His creation. My studies in psychology at Bethel University deepened that awe as I learned more about God’s heart and how we are called to reflect His love. These experiences have helped form a strong foundation in my relationship with Jesus that has sustained me through every season of life. I am honored to be a part of the Woodridge team and to use my role to connect people to what God is doing in our church network and communities. Outside of work, I love to be on the lake, stay active, and spend time with my loved ones.
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John Walt
Pastor & Operations Associate
ConnectI am a Pastor and Operations Associate both here at Woodridge and for the Aspen Grove Network. My Undergraduate was in business, and my Masters work was in family ministry. I have been on staff since 2009 and have been a part of starting two of our church sites. I love to support our staff and our church network by working behind the scenes to make sure things run smoothly. My wife Katie and I have three kids that God has gifted us through adoption and biology. At home we love playing games and spending time with our pets.
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Paul Johnson
Pastor of Generosity
ConnectI love to teach and lead and serve. I am in the ministry because I love God and people. I enjoy tennis and exercising. Salmon is my very favorite food. My amazing wife, Darla, is a partner in every way. We have two sons, a daughter and seven grandchildren that add so much to our lives.
Our Overseers
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Drew leads the Aspen Grove Network of churches. He is the lead pastor at Mercy Hill. He is the primary teacher on Sunday mornings and he leads the conversations among staff and volunteers that shape the direction of our community. Drew majored in Art History and Religious Studies at the University of Minnesota, graduated from Bethel Seminary with a Masters of Divinity Degree, and recently completed a Doctor of Ministry in Contextual Theology at Northern Seminary. He is married to Lauren. They live in Wayzata with their kids Eleanor and Eli.
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Becky Hunter and her family live in Minnetonka. She is mom to three boys and joyfully married to Evan for the past 25 years. Evan and Becky returned to Minnesota four years ago and have been a part of Mercy Hill and the Aspen Grove community since January 2018. Becky has an educational background in elementary education and professional experience in leadership development and spiritual formation. She loves to spend time outdoors gardening, exploring and adventuring with her family.
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Miranda Brouwer has been an attender at The Highlands for 11 years. She resides in Delano with her husband of 15yrs and 3 adventurous kids. She and her husband enjoy being actively involved with the youth ministry at The Highlands, and she is a member of the Interiors Team for the new church build. Miranda has a degree in Interior Design which led to starting her own company in 2009. She loves to travel, spend time with her family, running and being outdoors.
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Brad Gotto has been attending The Highlands with his family for 10yrs. He resides in Delano with his wife Christy, and two boys, Liam and Hudson. Brad grew up in Iowa and came to Minnesota to attend Bethel University. After seeking a degree in Youth Ministry, Brad started his career at a church in Bloomington. After a brief stay in paid ministry he went back to volunteering and he and his wife Christy have been actively involved with youth programs in various churches for the last 18+ years. Today Brad owns a Wealth Management company in Wayzata and can still be seen around the Highlands helping with the High School youth group, and even filling in on Sunday mornings giving the message. In his free time Brad loves to coach his son's sports teams, travel with his family, and cheer on the Iowa Hawkeyes!
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Michelle King is a Bethel Seminary graduate and has been pastoring her Wednesday evening women's Bible study since 2006. She formerly served as an Overseer at Woodridge. She operated a nonprofit, and has served on nonprofit boards for the last ten years. She has been married to Todd, and they have two adult, married daughters. Michelle is an avid equestrian in the discipline of dressage.
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Peter Morrow has been attending Mercy Hill with his family for 6 years. He resides in Minnetonka with his wife Sarah, and children Elora and Grayson. Peter was born in Indiana but moved to Rochester, Minnesota in Middle School, eventually attending University of Northwestern in St. Paul. After completing a degree in International Business, Peter started his career at Cargill in Wayzata and is still there today designing compensation programs. He can be seen around Mercy Hill co-leading a house group (with Sarah) and teaching in the elementary program. In his free time Peter is a backyard beekeeper, periodically leads worship at Lino Lakes prison, and loves going out for sushi!
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Jenna Soule has called Woodridge her church home for the past thirty years. In addition to serving on the worship team with her late husband, Jay, for their entire 28 years of marriage, she has led various small groups, served in children’s ministry, is a member of the prayer team, and is currently a mentor mom for the Wednesday Night Moms in Step group. Jenna is mom to Connor and Alli, and their golden doodle, Rosie. Jenna’s professional background is in communications and marketing and most recently has been managing her family’s business on Lake Minnetonka. She currently serves on the board of the non-profit, Every Meal.
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Brian Jass has been attending Woodridge Church with his family since 2021. He is married to his amazing wife, Amanda, and they have three incredible daughters: Annie,
Sophia & Katie (and a little pup named Jordy.)
Growing up in the northern Twin Cities as a PK (pastor’s kid), Brian has been active in the church ever since he can remember. He attended Bethel University where he met his bride and received a business degree in finance and marketing. This led him to launching his own financial and retirement planning firm.
Brian and Amanda serve in kid’s ministry, lead a house group, and are involved in Men’s and Women’s bible studies at church. During his free time, Brian enjoys spending time with his family, friends and squeezing in a round or two of golf.