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 414-256-3209 / 800-827-5482.
After graduating from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, I worked in senior leadership roles in the hospitality and transportation industries for over 36 years and taught accounting and business part-time for 12 years. I have also served as the financial chair and head elder at my church.
I have seen how the Holy Spirit has flourished congregational ministry through his Word. Now as a Chistian giving counselor I have the privilege of assisting people with deferred gifts that help fund the future work of our synod so that many more will know our Lord Jesus Christ and, by his grace, come to a saving faith. I am so excited to live my faith in this role and share the beautiful gospel message with so many people who are just as enthusiastic as I am about planting gospel seeds through the grace of giving.
My wife Sharon and I live in Henderson, Nev., and attend Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Las Vegas.
Phone: 702-587-3874
After graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, I was assigned to Immanuel, Salem, Ore. I served as Immanuelās only pastor for 29 years before taking this call. While there I especially enjoyed seeing Godās 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 Godās kingdom.
My wife Gretchen and I live in Salem, Ore., and continue to be members at Immanuel.
Phone: 503-990-1058
I graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 1989 and served congregations in Massachusetts, Ohio, Illinois, and Minnesota before joining WELS Ministry of Christian Giving in 2024. As a Christian giving counselor for the Dakota-Montana and Nebraska Districts and the southern part of the Minnesota District, I assist people with offering deferred gifts that help fund the future work of our synod.
Since the start of ministry Iāve seen the benefits provided by WELS Ministry of Christian Giving and with personally helping members with estate planning. Itās exciting now to work with the Christian Giving team and WELS members who understand that itās not about money but about living lives of thanks to Jesus for doing everything necessary to save us from sin.
My wife Beth Kae and I live in Onalaska, Wis., and attend St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Phone: 651-448-3559
I have enjoyed being active in the ministry for 39 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, Minnesota, and Nebraska Districts, helping people offer current gifts that immediately fund WELS ministry.
I love helping Godās 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 peopleās hearts so that they are moved to support the Lordās work.
My wife Paula and I live in the Minneapolis, Minn., area. We enjoy spending time with our three children and eight 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 Godās kingdom. I am excited about working with WELS members and sharing Godās 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 WELSā Minnesota and Nebraska districts. In 2012 I accepted the call to be WELSā director of Christian Giving and began serving in the position in 2013.
As a counselor, I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to meet Godās 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 Iām 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 Godās glory and by his grace!
My wife, Susan Ann, and I live in Ixonia, Wis., and worship at St. Markās Lutheran Church, Watertown, Wis.
Phone: 612-599-9316
After graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 1984, I served St. Johnās, 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 giftsāgifts 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 donāt 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, āThis is exactly how we want to honor God and support kingdom work even after weāre gone!ā
My wife Debbie and I live in Maplewood, Minn., and attend Christ Lutheran Church in North St. Paul.
Phone: 612-280-4491
I graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 1989 and served congregations in Massachusetts, Ohio, Illinois, and Minnesota before joining WELS Ministry of Christian Giving in 2024. As a Christian giving counselor for the Dakota-Montana and Nebraska Districts and the southern part of the Minnesota District, I assist people with offering deferred gifts that help fund the future work of our synod.
Since the start of ministry Iāve seen the benefits provided by WELS Ministry of Christian Giving and with personally helping members with estate planning. Itās exciting now to work with the Christian Giving team and WELS members who understand that itās not about money but about living lives of thanks to Jesus for doing everything necessary to save us from sin.
My wife Beth Kae and I live in Onalaska, Wis., and attend St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Phone: 651-448-3559
I have enjoyed being active in the ministry for 39 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, Minnesota, and Nebraska Districts, helping people offer current gifts that immediately fund WELS ministry.
I love helping Godās 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 peopleās hearts so that they are moved to support the Lordās work.
My wife Paula and I live in the Minneapolis, Minn., area. We enjoy spending time with our three children and eight grandchildren.
Phone: 612-222-2050
I graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 1989 and served congregations in Massachusetts, Ohio, Illinois, and Minnesota before joining WELS Ministry of Christian Giving in 2024. As a Christian giving counselor for the Dakota-Montana and Nebraska Districts and the southern part of the Minnesota District, I assist people with offering deferred gifts that help fund the future work of our synod.
Since the start of ministry Iāve seen the benefits provided by WELS Ministry of Christian Giving and with personally helping members with estate planning. Itās exciting now to work with the Christian Giving team and WELS members who understand that itās not about money but about living lives of thanks to Jesus for doing everything necessary to save us from sin.
My wife Beth Kae and I live in Onalaska, Wis., and attend St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Phone: 651-448-3559
I have enjoyed being active in the ministry for 39 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, Minnesota, and Nebraska Districts, helping people offer current gifts that immediately fund WELS ministry.
I love helping Godās 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 peopleās hearts so that they are moved to support the Lordās work.
My wife Paula and I live in the Minneapolis, Minn., area. We enjoy spending time with our three children and eight 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 Godās kingdom. I am excited about working with WELS members and sharing Godās 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 WELSā Minnesota and Nebraska districts. In 2012 I accepted the call to be WELSā director of Christian Giving and began serving in the position in 2013.
As a counselor, I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to meet Godās 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 Iām 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 Godās glory and by his grace!
My wife, Susan Ann, and I live in Ixonia, Wis., and worship at St. Markās Lutheran Church, Watertown, Wis.
Phone: 612-599-9316
Phone: 760-803-0123
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 Jesusā love and helping them better understand the joy of Christian giving. I pray that, if it is the Lordās 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. Johnās Lutheran Church.
Phone: 847-370-8812
After graduating from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, I worked in senior leadership roles in the hospitality and transportation industries for over 36 years and taught accounting and business part-time for 12 years. I have also served as the financial chair and head elder at my church.
I have seen how the Holy Spirit has flourished congregational ministry through his Word. Now as a Chistian giving counselor I have the privilege of assisting people with deferred gifts that help fund the future work of our synod so that many more will know our Lord Jesus Christ and, by his grace, come to a saving faith. I am so excited to live my faith in this role and share the beautiful gospel message with so many people who are just as enthusiastic as I am about planting gospel seeds through the grace of giving.
My wife Sharon and I live in Henderson, Nev., and attend Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Las Vegas.
Phone: 702-587-3874
After graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, I was assigned to Immanuel, Salem, Ore. I served as Immanuelās only pastor for 29 years before taking this call. While there I especially enjoyed seeing Godās 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 Godās 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 giftsāgifts 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 āHark! The Voice of Jesus Callingā asks, āWho will go and work today?ā Using my financial experience, I look forward to answering, āHere am Iāsend me, send me.ā
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 districtās 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 giftsāgifts 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 āHark! The Voice of Jesus Callingā asks, āWho will go and work today?ā Using my financial experience, I look forward to answering, āHere am Iāsend me, send me.ā
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 districtās 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 Godās living Word. I look forward to serving Godās 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. Paulās Lutheran Church.
Phone: 605-231-7402
I have great fondness for the Southeastern Wisconsin District where Iām 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 youāre passionate about. May God graciously use the resources we offer him to powerfully impact peopleās 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 Saviorās mission and make a difference in peopleās lives. I specialize in deferred gifts, which help fund the future work of our synod.
I enjoy helping Godās people see Jesusāand his gifts of forgiveness and eternal lifeāas their greatest treasure. I also enjoy helping Godās 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 live in Johnson Creek, Wis.
Phone: 312-315-5958
Phone: 414-380-4349