Pastors
BEN BERGREN
Senior Pastor
Pastor Ben comes to us most recently from Bethel Lutheran Church in Cupertino, California, but he is no stranger to Community Lutheran Church (CLC). His first call after seminary as an Associate Minister was at CLC from 1998-2002. We are more than happy to have him return to us.
Ben received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. He then went on to complete his Master of Divinity at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa.
Pastor Ben is passionate about the truth of God's Word and thinks if the scriptures are not exciting to him, why should it be exciting to anyone else. He firmly believes that anyone who attends church should feel like they are "home."
Ben received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. He then went on to complete his Master of Divinity at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa.
Pastor Ben is passionate about the truth of God's Word and thinks if the scriptures are not exciting to him, why should it be exciting to anyone else. He firmly believes that anyone who attends church should feel like they are "home."
BRIAN WARD
Associate Pastor
Pastor Brian grew up in southern Minnesota. He was raised in the Lutheran church, and he developed a passion for service and ministry because of the church. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Gustavus Adolphus College, and he earned a Master of Divinity degree with an emphasis on Children, Youth, and Family from Luther Seminary in St. Paul Minnesota.
Brian’s ministry experience includes serving as a camp counselor at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp in Colorado, and he worked as a youth director in Minneapolis, MN. Before joining the staff at Community Lutheran, he served as the Pastor of Mission and Outreach at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fullerton, CA. Brian has a passion for reaching out and learning from different cultures. He also loves hiking, backpacking, climbing, and anything outdoors. When he is not at church, you may catch him on his bicycle or running through the city! Blessings!
Brian’s ministry experience includes serving as a camp counselor at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp in Colorado, and he worked as a youth director in Minneapolis, MN. Before joining the staff at Community Lutheran, he served as the Pastor of Mission and Outreach at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fullerton, CA. Brian has a passion for reaching out and learning from different cultures. He also loves hiking, backpacking, climbing, and anything outdoors. When he is not at church, you may catch him on his bicycle or running through the city! Blessings!
Ray christenson
Pastor Emeritus
Pastor Ray is the founding pastor of Community Lutheran Church. We are blessed to have him with us in his retirement.
Dennis Allen
Church Administrator
Susan Girouard
Administrative Assistant
Barbara Bell
Bookkeeper
Stephanie Leroy
Director of Communications
Robby Wingfield
Directory of Congregational Worship
Philip Fortnberry
Organist and Director of Instrumental Music
Keith Thompson
Choir Directory
David Kancsar
Pianist
Brett Barnes
Percussionst
Dana Martin
Worship Leader
Tony Arias
Worship Leader
Eric Paprotny
Tech Director
Cole Becker
Assistant Tech Director
Melissa Hughes
Children's Ministry and Nursery
Children's Ministry and Nursery
Emerald McDonald
Children's Ministry
Children's Ministry
Maurice Miller
Maintenance Supervisor
Diane Stewart
Wedding Coordinator
Valerie Valdez
Director of Hill and Dale