Synod Staff

Staff Update:

Open Position - Synod Minister for Equipping Congregation Leaders, Rostered Ministers, Youth, and Families

“And God’s gifts were given…. to equip the saints for the work of ministry for building up the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 2).

This has been a time of change in the Southwestern Minnesota Synod staff. Since the fall of 2023 we have grieved the passing of Synod Minister Pr. Naomi Mahler. Shortly after, Youth Ministry Coordinator Pr. Nikoli Falenschek moved to Iowa. We were blessed by their ministries.

Recognizing the changes before us, a staffing model study team was formed to assess the current model and consider the shape of congregational needs in the future. Click here to read more about this transition and the open position. 

Southwestern Minnesota Synod Staff

Pr. Dee Pederson

Pr. Dee Pederson, D.Min.

Bishop
Pr. Heather Culuris

Pr. Heather Culuris

Synod Minister for Engaging Leaders

Candidacy / First Call / Call Process

507-627-9047

Pr. Troy Pflibsen

Pr. Troy Pflibsen

Director for Evangelical Mission

Coaching / Faithful Innovation / Generosity

507-627-9045

Tammy Schacher

Tammy Schacher

Administrative Assistant to the Bishop

Office Manager / Roster Administrator / Call Process Coordinator

507-627-9041

Kristin Bakeberg

Kristin Bakeberg

Communications
Maggie Berggren

Maggie Berggren

Administrative Assistant

Gifts of Grace Support

507-627-9040

Pr. Keith Pearson

Regional Gift Planner

Office Phone: 612-718-4197

Pr. Andrew Hermodson-Olsen

Director of Gifts of Grace

Paul Marsh CFRE

Stewardship Specialists / GSB Fundraising

Pr. Pete Reuss

Stewardship Specialists / GSB Fundraising

Pr. Kirsten Nelson Roenfeldt

Synod Coaching Coordinator

Stay Connected

We are church together. From small congregations on the prairie to large congregations in urban centers (and everything in between), we come together as the Southwestern Minnesota Synod.

Scroll to Top