Rev. Dr. Steven Nelson
Senior Pastor
Pastor Steve graduated from Augsburg College and Luther Northwestern Seminary in the Twin Cities. His great passions are preaching and worship, helping churches discover their God-given vision, and working with people of all ages. "The Holy Spirit gives believers many different gifts," says Pastor Nelson. "They are like pieces in a puzzle. Put together, they reveal the total picture of God's presence and work. Even one missing piece makes it incomplete. Come, share your piece!" Pastor Steve received his Doctor of Ministry Degree from Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in 1992. His area of specialty is congregational visioning. For fun, he rides his motorcycle, follows sports (especially baseball) and hangs out with his kids.

Kathy Arveson
Business Administrator
Kathy joined St. Mark’s in May, 2007. She is a graduate of Concordia College, Moorhead and the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. Her career in Church Business Administration began in 1997 when she joined the staff of Hosanna! Lutheran Church in Lakeville. She views her position as the ministry of administration, taking care of the details that support the ministry of others. Kathy lives in Burnsville with her husband, John. She enjoys spending time with family, biking, reading and doing needlework and Sudokus.

Rev. Suzanne Ferkey
Minister of Pastoral Care
Pastor Suzanne Ferkey joined St. Mark's in June, 2007. Her responsibilities are to: provide pastoral care to members and their families in end-of-life times; provide hospital visitation or crisis care; and give oversight and direction to the caring ministries program. Pastor Suzanne is a graduate of Luther Seminary and has served congregations in Mpls. & St. Paul.

Robert Murphy
Dirctor of Music
As the music director at St. Mark’s for twenty years, Murphy has been kept busy conducting vocal choirs, handbell choirs, developing groups such as the New Jordan Singers and the contemporary worship band “The Morning Psalm,” and overseeing the music programs for the children and youth choirs. For special services and programs, he often finds musicians from outside the church to perform. In addition, he plays the organ and piano for church services, weddings, funerals and many other occasions as needed. He watches over the musical life of the church, working with the pastors and the worship and music committee to plan services. Robert is a graduate of Pacific Union College’s music department and holds a master’s degree in sacred music from Westminster College, New Jersey. When not playing the organ or directing a choir, Murphy likes to relax by listening to classical music. Bike riding, tennis, walking and CD shopping are favorite hobbies for Murphy, but not as great as his passion for Gopher hockey. He has been a season-ticket holder for many years and can be heard grumbling on many a Sunday morning in the choir room about the Gophers’ play of the night before.

Carrie Stiles
Confirmation Coordinator
Carrie has been at St. Mark's since 1992 when she started as a part-time intern while studying at Luther Seminary. In 1994 she began as full-time Director of Youth Ministry and has spent many years teaching, playing and loving the youth of St. Mark's. In May, 2002, she changed capacity and began in a part-time role as Confirmation Coordinator. September through May, Carrie puts together our God In Life confirmation ministry for 7th and 8th graders. In the summer she works on the Summer Stretch program for 6th, 7th and 8th graders.

Judy Larkins
Children's Ministry Director
Judy has been a part of the lives of the children of St. Mark’s for over 30 years. Under her direction and leadership and with the hard work of teachers and volunteers, St. Mark’s Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and Covenant Crusaders (5th & 6th graders) programs provide a caring place for children to learn about God’s love. Judy also drives St. Mark’s Drama Ministry for all ages – young children to adults. This ministry stages three to four major productions each year. Recent performances include Footloose, Godspell, and Jesus Christ Superstar. In her free time, Judy enjoys spending time with her family, reading, gardening and traveling.

Heidi McKenzie
Children's Ministry Assistant
Heidi has been an active part of the St. Mark’s children’s program for 20 years. She is involved in the planning of Sunday school, Markey Mouse, VBS, Summer Sunday School, Puppet sermons, and more for children ages 2 years old through 5th grade. Heidi, her husband Mark, and their two children are all active members at St. Mark’s. They are involved in many aspects in the ministry of the church, from drama, youth trips, serving on the council, outreach, hospitality and Boy scouts. In her spare time, Heidi enjoys riding her horse and has completed in many competitions as part of the Windy Ridge Riders Horse Club Drill Team. Gardening, reading, working at Phillippo Scout Reservation, and spending time with friends and family are also favorite pastimes.