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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 three beautiful children.
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Jana Haugen
Administrative 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. One of my other roles is 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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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.
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Jared Kingry
Student Ministries Associate Pastor
ConnectI have the privilege of knowing and serving our students and their families with the loving lens of Jesus. My hope is to disciple our student communities to know Jesus and love with Jesus (1 John 3:16-18). I live in Hopkins with my wife Natalie, our girls Junia and Linden, and our son Shepherd.
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Annika Swanson
Elementary Director
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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Rachel Burns
Early Childhood Director
ConnectAfter becoming a mom, my heart was ignited with a passion to equip the next generation to love God and love others. It is my mission to send our children off into the world with a strong biblical foundation so that they might grow to have an unshakable faith that will stand the test of time. I've been married to my husband, Benjamin, since 2016. We have a two-year-old son, Mason and a fluffy white dog and can't wait for our family to grow over the years. I also believe that it is never too early for someone to hear God's Word—even babies!
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Johanna Johnson
Student Ministries Associate
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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Dan Robillard
Connections and Community Associate
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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Christian Hamre
Food Ministry & Operations Coordinator
ConnectI have the privilege to serve in creating a welcoming environment that creates community around our Sunday Cafe and our Wednesday night meals. I believe this was an extremely powerful element of Jesus' ministry on earth. I also serve on the Operations Team, which gives me the opportunity to support the ministries of our church through administrative duties, communications and event preparations.
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Ben Howe
Music Director
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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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.
Our Overseers
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Brent grew up in the west metro, and was blessed to have been raised in a home where God was loved and honored. He is happy to continue the heritage of active involvement in the local church, currently at The Highlands Church in Delano. Brent enjoys equipping God's people for ministry, particularly in the areas of prayer, discipleship, and apologetics. Brent lives in Rockford with his wife Becky, their kids Katherine and David, and their mini schnauzer Winston. During his free time, when not at one of his kids' sporting events, Brent enjoys conversing over a cup of strong coffee.
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My wife Angie and I have been attending Woodridge for nearly a decade and we are blessed with two children, Meghan and Andrew. After graduating from Orono High School, I attended the Air Force Academy and then served on active duty for five years in FL and AZ. During that time the Lord led us to some incredibly supportive faith communities. I continue to serve in the Air Force Reserves and also volunteer as a Trustee on the Converge Worldwide pension fund. In my civilian employment, I work for a boutique investment management firm in Minneapolis. I appreciate the opportunity to serve the Aspen Grove Network.
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I began attending Mercy Hill with my wife, Katie, in early 2017. I love the relationship focused culture and am thankful for the people that Mercy Hill has brought into the life of my family. I graduated from Bethel University and work in corporate finance. Katie and I have 2 young children and live in St. Louis Park. In my free time I love to read, golf and launch model rockets.
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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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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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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!