St. Olaf Lutheran Church

...making Christ known through reaching, welcoming, growing & caring
homefind ussite map

MEET OUR STAFF

 
Senior Pastor
image
Pastor Barnett - Ron is St. Olaf's Senior Pastor. Pastor Barnett directs the staff and also provides direction for the congregation along with the elected lay leadership. Among his duties, Pastor Barnett serves as pastoral advisor to the Board of Stewardship, Board of Outreach, and the St. Olaf Foundation.
E-Mail:
rbarnett@stolafchurch.org 


Associate Pastor
Pastor Koppel - Kristi is St. Olaf's Associate Pastor. She works closely with Pastor Barnett and the staff to serve the pastoral needs of the congregation and community. Among her duties are serving as pastoral advisor to the Board of Life and Growth, encouraging spiritual growth through education and fellowship.
E-Mail:
kkoppel@stolafchurch.org


Business Administrator
Eric Buntrock - Eric's responsibilities relate to all Business and Financial matters of the church. He is to manage the work of the support staff, perform general administrative functions including proper financial accounting of all funds, payroll, and benefits of the church.
E-Mail: ebuntrock@stolafchurch.org


Building Supervisor
image
Rich Belknap -  full-time custodian who is responsible for the general upkeep, maintenance, and cleaning of the church property.
E-Mail: rbelknap@stolafchurch.org


Music Ministry
image
Neal Erickson - Neal plans the worship and music that reflect centuries of tradition as well the emerging styles of today. He is the director of the St. Olaf Church Choir, plays organ and keyboard for Sunday morning worship, and accompanies the youth vocal choirs. He is the staff advisor for the Worship and Music Board.
E-Mail:
nerickso@stolafchurch.org


Senior Adult Ministry
image
Todd Portinga -Todd Portinga is Director of Senior Adult Ministry at St Olaf Lutheran church.  Prior to coming to Austin, Todd worked as an executive director for a non profit senior volunteer program in Cannon Falls known as the Shepherd’s Center.  ” Todd believes passionately in the “resourcefulness” of older adults, “Older adults are a tremendous resource of faith for the church and the community, they are incredibly gifted, talented and experienced.  We need to listen deeply to their wisdom, and value their creative insights.” Todd is rostered and commissioned in the ELCA as an Associate in Ministry.
E-Mail:
tportinga@stolafchurch.org


Shared Ministry
image
Pam Apold -Pam's job is to help new and current members of the congregation discover the gifts, talents, and abilities they were given by God and to enable them to share those gifts in the ministries of this congregation and the community. She works closely with the Shared Ministry Committee, Decorating Committee, and the Board of Stewardship. She also acts as office support.
E-Mail:
papold@stolafchurch.org


Wedding Cordinator
image Doris Forland - Doris takes all the wedding information from the wedding party and makes sure the church is available for the desired wedding date. She then conveys all information to the pastors and the church office. She is involved with all weddings and can answer questions about pictures, dressing rooms, flowers, etc. She handles the wedding rehearsal and is present the day of the wedding for questions and assistance. Sharon Olson is the Assistant Wedding Coordinator.
E-Mail:
solc@stolafchurch.org


Director of Children's Ministry
image

Jann Schroeder-is the Director of St. Olaf’s Children’s Ministry program for children from birth through 5th grade.  Children’s ministry includes not only educational opportunities for the children but also fellowship opportunities for children (and occasionally their families) offered throughout the year. 


E-Mail:
jschroed@stolafchurch.org


Director of Youth Ministry
Elise Chesley- As Director of Youth Ministry, Elise oversees the programming for the middle and high school students at St. Olaf. With the help of the youth ministry team, she plans events and trips for the students including summer mission trips, ski trips, and going to lots of concerts! She also helps coordinate the regular youth programming such as Recharge and Middle School Ministry (confirmation).
E-Mail:
echesley@stolafchurch.org


Wee Learning Center Director
image
Jenny Smith- Jennifer is the Wee Learning Center Director. More information about Wee Learning Center can be found on the Preschool page.
E-Mail: jennys@stolafchurch.org


Wee Learning Center Teacher
image
Lindsay Lunning- Lindsay is the full-time Wee Learning Center Teacher.
E-Mail:
jennys@stolafchurch.org


Administrative Assistant
image Samantha Vaith- Samantha oversees and produces many communications in various media, to include the bulletin, St. Olaf News, congregational letters, and website updates. She also provides direct support to the business operations of St. Olaf.
E-Mail:
svaith@stolafchurch.org