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Shoot us your resume and a friendly hello at info@desertcross.org.
The light of my life is faith and family. I love cooking meals with my family and enjoy hiking, biking, and historical fiction.
I graduated with a B.A. in Organizational Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and earned a Master of Divinity at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa.
Desert Cross called me in 2014, and I have served as Senior Pastor since 2018. Helping people build faithful relationships with Jesus and with each other in community is one of my passions. It gives me joy to be a leader in living out faith in daily life and discovering our gifts to love and serve our neighbors.
Fun fact: I am a descendant of Curly Willoughby who was a rider for The Pony Express!
I joined Desert Cross as Associate Pastor in January of 2021. I come from a family of farmers in Northern Illinois. I graduated from Valparaiso University in 2005 and then enrolled at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio where I received my Master of Divinity in 2009. My first call was as Associate Pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Reynoldsburg, Ohio for five years, and then I served at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania for six years. My wife, Laura, and I have two children, Lincoln and Everett.
I root for the Green Bay Packers in the winter and the Chicago Cubs in the summer. I like to read novels, listen to podcasts, and hike with my family in my spare time. I am passionate about creating community in the midst of an ever-fragmented culture.
Fun fact: Thanks to my fifth-grade music teacher, I can name all 50 states in alphabetical order in about 15 seconds.
Doug Bjotvedt - Director of Operations & Property
480-730-8600 ext. 103
dbjotvedt@desertcross.org
Marie Maiorana - Office Manager
480-730-8600
mmaiorana@desertcross.org
Daniel Decker - Director of Worship & Music Ministries
480-730-8600 ext. 108
ddecker@desertcross.org
Shannon Fossett - Director of Children's Ministries
480-730-8600 ext. 115
sfossett@desertcross.org
Denise McClellan - Director of Adult Ministries & Missional Service
480-730-8600 ext. 116
dmcclellan@desertcross.org
Joni Van Rossum - Director of Media Production
jvanrossum@desertcross.org
Denise Viker, RN - Parish Nurse
480-730-8600 ext. 122
dviker@desertcross.org
Ariane Nannenga - Children's Ministry Assistant
anannenga@desertcross.org
The church council meets the third Monday of every month. If you have a question and you are unable to speak with one of the representatives in person or over the phone, you can contact the council via email at council@desertcross.org.
The Gilbert chamber meets the second Tuesday of every month. If you have a question or concern, please contact one of the representatives.