Christian Giving Counselor Directory

Looking for guidance on how best to use your gifts to not only help WELS ministries but also plan for your future? WELS Christian giving counselors are called workers who apply scriptural principles to the gift planning process. Since their services are funded by our church body, there is no cost to you or your congregation. And your local WELS Christian giving counselor is available to provide you with further help as you consider revising your plans. Deferred giving counselors specialize in gifts that help fund synod ministry in the future. Current giving counselors specialize in gifts that fund ministry now. For general gift planning information, call WELS Ministry of Christian Giving at 800-827-5482 (local: 414-256-3209).

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After 21 years of serving congregations in Memphis, Tenn., and Cannon Falls, Minn., I started serving as a current giving counselor in WELS’ Minnesota and Nebraska districts. In 2012 I accepted the call to be WELS’ director of Christian Giving and began serving in the position in 2013.

As a counselor, I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to meet God’s gifted people, hear their faith stories, and nurture them in the gracious richness of our Lord Jesus Christ. It was a blessing to see the Spirit compel them to bring thank offerings to our Father who graciously gives all of us one blessing after another in Christ. Now as director I’m privileged to encourage Christian giving through our team of Christian giving counselors and support staff, and to assist our district presidents, circuit pastors, and Ministry of Christian Giving district chairmen as they help congregations grow their mission offerings. All to God’s glory and by his grace!

My wife, Susan Ann, and I live in Ixonia, Wis., and worship at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Watertown, Wis.

Phone: 612-599-9316

After graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, I was assigned to Immanuel, Salem, Ore. I served as Immanuel’s only pastor for 29 years before taking this call. While there I especially enjoyed seeing God’s blessings as we built relationships with community members and started and grew a Lutheran elementary school. I also served in a variety of roles including chairman of the Mission Board for the Pacific Northwest District from 2007-2022. Now, as a WELS Christian giving counselor, I have the privilege of building relationships and assisting people with offering current gifts that immediately fund WELS ministry.

I am excited to share my passion for the gospel and to support the vision of gospel-motivated people enlarging God’s kingdom.

My wife Gretchen and I live in Salem, Ore., and continue to be members at Immanuel.

Phone: 503-990-1058

After 21 years of serving congregations in Memphis, Tenn., and Cannon Falls, Minn., I started serving as a current giving counselor in WELS’ Minnesota and Nebraska districts. In 2012 I accepted the call to be WELS’ director of Christian Giving and began serving in the position in 2013.

As a counselor, I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to meet God’s gifted people, hear their faith stories, and nurture them in the gracious richness of our Lord Jesus Christ. It was a blessing to see the Spirit compel them to bring thank offerings to our Father who graciously gives all of us one blessing after another in Christ. Now as director I’m privileged to encourage Christian giving through our team of Christian giving counselors and support staff, and to assist our district presidents, circuit pastors, and Ministry of Christian Giving district chairmen as they help congregations grow their mission offerings. All to God’s glory and by his grace!

My wife, Susan Ann, and I live in Ixonia, Wis., and worship at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Watertown, Wis.

Phone: 612-599-9316

I have enjoyed being active in the ministry over 30 years, serving the Lord in congregations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ohio, leading souls to see and nurturing them to know the saving message of Jesus. Now, as a WELS Christian giving counselor, I serve the Dakota-Montana and Nebraska Districts, as well as the Mankato, Minnesota River Valley, and Southern conferences of the Minnesota District, helping people offer current gifts that immediately fund WELS ministry.

I love helping God’s people see the importance of WELS ministry and supporting its growth wherever we can. I enjoy sharing stories about what the gospel is doing locally and across the world, and I appreciate hearing how it touches people’s hearts so that they are moved to support the Lord’s work.

My wife Paula and I live in the Minneapolis, Minn., area. We enjoy spending time with our three children and seven grandchildren.

Phone: 612-222-2050

I began serving as a WELS Christian giving counselor in May 2023. I was previously an agent for what is now Thrivent Financial, where I assisted people with financial planning. I then worked for 30 years as vice president in the family business, LJH Ambulance. Meanwhile, I have enjoyed volunteering in many roles at church. Now, as a Christian giving counselor for the Michigan and North Atlantic Districts, I assist people with offering deferred gifts, which help fund the future work of our synod.

A big part of my past work was helping people feel comfortable with their plans. This call allows me the opportunity to use these skills and experiences to serve God’s kingdom. I am excited about working with WELS members and sharing God’s Word with them.

My wife Debbie and I live in Kenosha, Wis., and attend New Life Lutheran Church in Kenosha.

Phone: 262-945-1563

After 21 years of serving congregations in Memphis, Tenn., and Cannon Falls, Minn., I started serving as a current giving counselor in WELS’ Minnesota and Nebraska districts. In 2012 I accepted the call to be WELS’ director of Christian Giving and began serving in the position in 2013.

As a counselor, I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to meet God’s gifted people, hear their faith stories, and nurture them in the gracious richness of our Lord Jesus Christ. It was a blessing to see the Spirit compel them to bring thank offerings to our Father who graciously gives all of us one blessing after another in Christ. Now as director I’m privileged to encourage Christian giving through our team of Christian giving counselors and support staff, and to assist our district presidents, circuit pastors, and Ministry of Christian Giving district chairmen as they help congregations grow their mission offerings. All to God’s glory and by his grace!

My wife, Susan Ann, and I live in Ixonia, Wis., and worship at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Watertown, Wis.

Phone: 612-599-9316

After graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 1984, I served St. John’s, Renville, Minn., and Christ, North St. Paul, Minn., before accepting the call in 2005 to serve as a WELS Christian giving counselor. I serve the Minnesota and Pacific Northwest Districts specializing in deferred gifts—gifts that will help fund the future work of our synod.

There are many people who would like to give a lasting, meaningful gift as a thank you for the eternal gift of heaven, but they don’t necessarily know how to make that happen. My role is to help them channel their gifts to the ministries they target in the most effective way. My ultimate goal is that when people finalize their estate plans, they can say, “This is exactly how we want to honor God and support kingdom work even after we’re gone!”

My wife Debbie and I live in Maplewood, Minn., and attend Christ Lutheran Church in North St. Paul.

Phone: 612-280-4491

I have enjoyed being active in the ministry over 30 years, serving the Lord in congregations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ohio, leading souls to see and nurturing them to know the saving message of Jesus. Now, as a WELS Christian giving counselor, I serve the Dakota-Montana and Nebraska Districts, as well as the Mankato, Minnesota River Valley, and Southern conferences of the Minnesota District, helping people offer current gifts that immediately fund WELS ministry.

I love helping God’s people see the importance of WELS ministry and supporting its growth wherever we can. I enjoy sharing stories about what the gospel is doing locally and across the world, and I appreciate hearing how it touches people’s hearts so that they are moved to support the Lord’s work.

My wife Paula and I live in the Minneapolis, Minn., area. We enjoy spending time with our three children and seven grandchildren.

Phone: 612-222-2050

I accepted the call to WELS Ministry of Christian Giving after 27 years in the parish ministry in Missouri, Nebraska, and Wyoming and four years in the teaching ministry. I’ve also served at the district and synod levels, including 20 years on the Adult Discipleship Commission. Now I serve the Red Wing, Crow River, and Saint Croix conferences of the Minnesota District specializing in current gifts—gifts that can help fund the work of our synod right now.

I know from experience what a huge blessing it is when the Holy Spirit moves God’s people to give back to advance gospel ministry. We also have the joy of imitating the greatest Giver of all and seeing that it really is “more blessed to give than to receive.” I hope to be able to assist you with specific direction in making your gifts.

My wife Susan and I live in Lakeville, Minn., and attend Good Shepherd in Burnsville, Minn.

Phone: 612-720-1323

After 21 years of serving congregations in Memphis, Tenn., and Cannon Falls, Minn., I started serving as a current giving counselor in WELS’ Minnesota and Nebraska districts. In 2012 I accepted the call to be WELS’ director of Christian Giving and began serving in the position in 2013.

As a counselor, I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to meet God’s gifted people, hear their faith stories, and nurture them in the gracious richness of our Lord Jesus Christ. It was a blessing to see the Spirit compel them to bring thank offerings to our Father who graciously gives all of us one blessing after another in Christ. Now as director I’m privileged to encourage Christian giving through our team of Christian giving counselors and support staff, and to assist our district presidents, circuit pastors, and Ministry of Christian Giving district chairmen as they help congregations grow their mission offerings. All to God’s glory and by his grace!

My wife, Susan Ann, and I live in Ixonia, Wis., and worship at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Watertown, Wis.

Phone: 612-599-9316

I have enjoyed being active in the ministry over 30 years, serving the Lord in congregations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ohio, leading souls to see and nurturing them to know the saving message of Jesus. Now, as a WELS Christian giving counselor, I serve the Dakota-Montana and Nebraska Districts, as well as the Mankato, Minnesota River Valley, and Southern conferences of the Minnesota District, helping people offer current gifts that immediately fund WELS ministry.

I love helping God’s people see the importance of WELS ministry and supporting its growth wherever we can. I enjoy sharing stories about what the gospel is doing locally and across the world, and I appreciate hearing how it touches people’s hearts so that they are moved to support the Lord’s work.

My wife Paula and I live in the Minneapolis, Minn., area. We enjoy spending time with our three children and seven grandchildren.

Phone: 612-222-2050

I began serving as a WELS Christian giving counselor in May 2023. I was previously an agent for what is now Thrivent Financial, where I assisted people with financial planning. I then worked for 30 years as vice president in the family business, LJH Ambulance. Meanwhile, I have enjoyed volunteering in many roles at church. Now, as a Christian giving counselor for the Michigan and North Atlantic Districts, I assist people with offering deferred gifts, which help fund the future work of our synod.

A big part of my past work was helping people feel comfortable with their plans. This call allows me the opportunity to use these skills and experiences to serve God’s kingdom. I am excited about working with WELS members and sharing God’s Word with them.

My wife Debbie and I live in Kenosha, Wis., and attend New Life Lutheran Church in Kenosha.

Phone: 262-945-1563

After 21 years of serving congregations in Memphis, Tenn., and Cannon Falls, Minn., I started serving as a current giving counselor in WELS’ Minnesota and Nebraska districts. In 2012 I accepted the call to be WELS’ director of Christian Giving and began serving in the position in 2013.

As a counselor, I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to meet God’s gifted people, hear their faith stories, and nurture them in the gracious richness of our Lord Jesus Christ. It was a blessing to see the Spirit compel them to bring thank offerings to our Father who graciously gives all of us one blessing after another in Christ. Now as director I’m privileged to encourage Christian giving through our team of Christian giving counselors and support staff, and to assist our district presidents, circuit pastors, and Ministry of Christian Giving district chairmen as they help congregations grow their mission offerings. All to God’s glory and by his grace!

My wife, Susan Ann, and I live in Ixonia, Wis., and worship at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Watertown, Wis.

Phone: 612-599-9316

I began serving as a WELS Christian giving counselor for the Northern Wisconsin District in January, 2019, after 25 years as a pastor of congregations in California, Connecticut, and Wisconsin. I have also been privileged to serve on boards and committees at Manitowoc Lutheran High School and Fox Valley Lutheran High School. Now, as a giving counselor, I specialize in deferred gifts—gifts that will help fund the future work of our synod.

I enjoy encouraging people in their faith life, including the joys and challenges of stewardship. Having worked in stewardship for years in parish and Lutheran high school settings, I’m very excited to focus my ministry on this joyous work and encourage many more people in their estate planning to provide for their family and for our loving Lord’s kingdom work.

My wife Laura and I live in Appleton, Wis., and attend St. Matthew Lutheran Church.

Phone: 920-750-4803

I worked 39 years in different leadership roles at Grainger before becoming staff ministry certified for WELS ministry. I received a call from WELS Ministry of Christian Giving and started as a WELS Christian giving counselor in May 2023. Throughout the years I have also volunteered in various capacities at my church and in my community. My focus as a WELS Christian giving counselor is the Northern Wisconsin District, where I help people offer current gifts that immediately fund WELS ministry.

I am excited to daily serve the Lord by talking to people about Jesus’ love and helping them better understand the joy of Christian giving. I pray that, if it is the Lord’s will, I can be a part of bringing to fruition the support that benefits many gospel ministries.

My wife Carol and I live in Mukwonago, Wis., and attend St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Phone: 847-370-8812

After graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 1984, I served St. John’s, Renville, Minn., and Christ, North St. Paul, Minn., before accepting the call in 2005 to serve as a WELS Christian giving counselor. I serve the Minnesota and Pacific Northwest Districts specializing in deferred gifts—gifts that will help fund the future work of our synod.

There are many people who would like to give a lasting, meaningful gift as a thank you for the eternal gift of heaven, but they don’t necessarily know how to make that happen. My role is to help them channel their gifts to the ministries they target in the most effective way. My ultimate goal is that when people finalize their estate plans, they can say, “This is exactly how we want to honor God and support kingdom work even after we’re gone!”

My wife Debbie and I live in Maplewood, Minn., and attend Christ Lutheran Church in North St. Paul.

Phone: 612-280-4491

After graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, I was assigned to Immanuel, Salem, Ore. I served as Immanuel’s only pastor for 29 years before taking this call. While there I especially enjoyed seeing God’s blessings as we built relationships with community members and started and grew a Lutheran elementary school. I also served in a variety of roles including chairman of the Mission Board for the Pacific Northwest District from 2007-2022. Now, as a WELS Christian giving counselor, I have the privilege of building relationships and assisting people with offering current gifts that immediately fund WELS ministry.

I am excited to share my passion for the gospel and to support the vision of gospel-motivated people enlarging God’s kingdom.

My wife Gretchen and I live in Salem, Ore., and continue to be members at Immanuel.

Phone: 503-990-1058

I was called as a Christian giving counselor for the South Atlantic District in 2017 after working nearly 30 years in the finance and insurance industry. I received my bachelor of science from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1985 with an emphasis in finance. I also served as the executive director of WELS Investments Funds. As a giving counselor, I specialize in deferred gifts—gifts that will help fund the future work of our synod.

I have been privileged to hear the Word and witness how the synod helps WELS members share the good news of Jesus. We all have varying gifts as part of this ministry, and the beautiful hymn “Hark! The Voice of Jesus Calling” asks, “Who will go and work today?” Using my financial experience, I look forward to answering, “Here am I—send me, send me.”

My wife Kathy and I live in Leesburg, Fla., and attend St. Mark Lutheran Church.

Phone: 920-450-9587

I have roots in the South Atlantic and South Central Districts where I am once again privileged to serve: born in Alabama, raised in Texas, had my vicar year in Florida and married a Floridian. After graduating from the seminary in 1994, I was called to congregations in California and was chairman of the Arizona-California District Mission Board, chairman of the district’s Ministry of Christian Giving, circuit pastor, and Bible Camp director. In March, 2019, I began serving as a giving counselor specializing in current gifts, which immediately fund WELS ministry.

My heart for the lost is demonstrated in my experience and continues in my service as Christian giving counselor. The goal is to glorify God and share Jesus by providing the resources our synod needs to send people to proclaim the gospel.

My wife DeLyn and I live in Apopka, Fla., and attend King of Kings Lutheran Church in Maitland.

Phone: 714-624-9001

I was called as a Christian giving counselor for the South Atlantic District in 2017 after working nearly 30 years in the finance and insurance industry. I received my bachelor of science from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1985 with an emphasis in finance. I also served as the executive director of WELS Investments Funds. As a giving counselor, I specialize in deferred gifts—gifts that will help fund the future work of our synod.

I have been privileged to hear the Word and witness how the synod helps WELS members share the good news of Jesus. We all have varying gifts as part of this ministry, and the beautiful hymn “Hark! The Voice of Jesus Calling” asks, “Who will go and work today?” Using my financial experience, I look forward to answering, “Here am I—send me, send me.”

My wife Kathy and I live in Leesburg, Fla., and attend St. Mark Lutheran Church.

Phone: 920-450-9587

I have roots in the South Atlantic and South Central Districts where I am once again privileged to serve: born in Alabama, raised in Texas, had my vicar year in Florida and married a Floridian. After graduating from the seminary in 1994, I was called to congregations in California and was chairman of the Arizona-California District Mission Board, chairman of the district’s Ministry of Christian Giving, circuit pastor, and Bible Camp director. In March, 2019, I began serving as a giving counselor specializing in current gifts, which immediately fund WELS ministry.

My heart for the lost is demonstrated in my experience and continues in my service as Christian giving counselor. The goal is to glorify God and share Jesus by providing the resources our synod needs to send people to proclaim the gospel.

My wife DeLyn and I live in Apopka, Fla., and attend King of Kings Lutheran Church in Maitland.

Phone: 714-624-9001

I served for 30 years as a teacher and principal in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., and Aurora, Ill. before becoming a WELS Christian giving counselor in 2017. I first served the Dakota-Montana and Nebraska Districts before switching to the Southeastern Wisconsin District in 2023. I specialize in deferred gifts, which help fund the future work of our synod.

I am the third generation to be baptized, confirmed, and married at St. Andrew, Chicago, Ill. As a recipient of Christian education at all levels and as a parent of three alumni of Luther Preparatory School, I appreciate the pastors, teachers, and Christian leaders who encouraged my family and me with God’s living Word. I look forward to serving God’s people so that the gospel may continue to spread for generations to come.

My wife Karen and I live in Neosho, Wis., and attend St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Phone: 605-231-7402

I have great fondness for the Southeastern Wisconsin District where I’m blessed to serve God and his people. I grew up in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. After graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, I served as a parish pastor for 26 years. I then spent six years helping people maximize gifts for ministry as the mission advancement director at a WELS area Lutheran high school. Now, as a WELS Christian giving counselor, I get to help people offer current gifts that immediately fund WELS ministry.

I look forward to visiting with you and helping you support the ministries you’re passionate about. May God graciously use the resources we offer him to powerfully impact people’s lives through the good news of Christ.

My wife Carla and I live in Waukesha, Wis., and worship at Christ, Big Bend.

Phone: 605-880-1583

I served 26 years as a parish pastor in Virginia, Alaska, California, and Illinois before becoming a Christian giving counselor for the Western Wisconsin District in 2021. My service in such diverse areas of the country has led me to appreciate all the work our synod does to further our Savior’s mission and make a difference in people’s lives. I specialize in deferred gifts, which help fund the future work of our synod.

I enjoy helping God’s people see Jesus—and his gifts of forgiveness and eternal life—as their greatest treasure. I also enjoy helping God’s people manage their earthly treasures in a way that honors God and brings the good news of Jesus to others. I look forward to getting to know you and helping you grow in the grace of giving, all to the glory of God and in thanks for his undeserved love!

My wife, Ginny, and I currently live in Johnson Creek, Wis.

Phone: 312-315-5958

I accepted the divine call to begin serving WELS Ministry of Christian Giving in 2018. Before that it was my privilege to serve the Lord at Michigan Lutheran Seminary and Lakeside Lutheran High School, a mission start in Alpharetta, Ga., a large parish in Lake City, Minn., and most recently a congregation in De Forest, Wis. Now, as a Christian giving counselor for the Western Wisconsin District, I specialize in current gifts, which immediately fund WELS ministry.

I am from the Western Wisconsin District originally—from Jim Falls in Chippewa County. Every step of the way it has been a privilege to serve our Lord and his people, and I look forward to my work with the dedicated saints of God here.

Like many of you, my Christian life centers around my church and family. My wife Lori and I are blessed with five children and ten grandchildren. We still live in De Forest, Wis., and worship at Lord of Love.

Phone: 608-630-7857