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Pastor - Rich Bontrager
I am serving as the Lead Pastor of Journey Church after
having served and attended Oasis Church (formerly Elim
Baptist) in Rochester, Minnesota for more than a decade.
While at Elim, I served as the Director
of Ministry Programs, the church Council Chairman and
Councilman, team leader for the Worship and Outreach ministry
teams, and I also acted as the men’s ministry coordinator.
I have an Associate Degree in Bible Studies and an Associate
Degree in Broadcasting from Northwestern Bible College
in St. Paul, Minnesota.
I am a die-hard Packers fan and I love
to read. I enjoy a wide range of material from
Bible-related books to action/adventure/mystery novels
and even comic books! Cyndi and I have three children,
Abbi (14), and twin girls, Sarah and Hannah (8).
All three girls are in the Rochester school system and
have enjoyed dancing as a common hobby.
In 2002, my wife and I were approved
as Baptist General Conference (BGC) Church Planters, and
on Easter weekend 2004, we offically launched Journey
Church.
Email me!
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Advisor / Technical Ministry Support - Bill Ellingson
Hi Everyone! I'm Bill and I head the Technical Ministries
Team. I am also a Journey Church Advisory Team member.
What is Technical Ministries? We handle everything
that requires electricity and produces either sound or
video. Whether it be taking care of the video playing
in the lobby or the movie Cyndi wants to play for the
kids, it's all us. I have a team currently of Joel
and John, but we are always looking for more. You
don't have to be a stellar computer person (or even a
stellar person for that matter), just someone who wants
to help. Our job is to stay hidden most of the time
though so if you are looking for the spotlight, this isn't
it.
As I mentioned earlier, I am also on the Advisory Team
with Rich and Rachel. My job on the team is to provide
balance and make sure Rich and I do talk about "tech"
stuff the whole time :).
I am married to the Little Stars Coach Sara and we have
a house here in Rochester. We have small groups
on Tuesday night so feel free to stop by. You can
usually stop by any other time too.
I grew up in White Bear Lake, MN and work in Downtown
St. Paul for a major telecommunications company.
I have a few different online addresses so stop by any
of them and learn a little about me. You can find
me on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/billellingson.
You can see my other blogs on there. I also run
an internet radio station, so be sure to check that out
too.
E-mail me!
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Advisor / Prayer Coach - Rachel Strouf
Hi, I'm Rachel Strouf (Mrs. Jamie Strouf). I started
coming to Journey the second week of its beginning.
I've been attending ever since then and they haven't been
able to get rid of me yet!
I'm on the Advisory Team and my role
is to make sure Rich and Bill don't talk "techy"
stuff the entire meeting (just kidding...well, it’s a
little true). I enjoy being a part of the team that
helps to shape and form the vision, direction, and purpose
of Journey. It’s been fun and exciting to serve
the people that make up Journey in this way.
When you see me on Sundays, I'm probably
greeting people as they arrive for the celebration service.
I enjoy getting to hear everyone’s story. I also
get the privilege and responsibility of singing with the
worship team. I'm probably happiest with my tambourine!
I enjoy the part God allows me to play at Journey.
Journey has become my family - the people
who I share my highs and lows with every week and look
forward to spending time with. The people of Journey impress
me every week with their kindness and love of serving
God by serving others. If there is anything I can
do for you, let me know!
Email me!
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Worship Leader - Dave Reynolds
Word up! I’m Dave Reynolds, the New Journey Church Worship
Leader as of January 1, 2007.
What is a worship leader? The goofy tall
guy that stands at the front of the church and...just
kidding. My job is to organize and coordinate the
worship team and music for each Sunday morning gathering,
with the help and oversee of Pastor Rich. Our goal
as a worship team is to help lead the church by having
a fun time in worship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
and to meet Christ each Sunday, and so helping set the
tone and atmosphere for the rest of the service.
We also try to have a rock band style of worship - very
up-beat, and a quality sound.
What should you expect? Well, if you come
to Bagel Café at 9:30 am, you will probably meet
me and my wife. Otherwise, at 10 am each week, you
can expect to hear a familiar song as you enter.
Almost every week we open up with a cover song by well
known bands, such as U2, Snow Patrol, Smashing Pumpkins,
Kutlass, Green Day, and Casting Crowns. We usually
like to try to wake you up and get you excited during
the first couple songs, which will then bring you to a
more serious and intimate time between you and Christ
before the rest of the service.
Who is on the worship team? Many people
from the church sing or play an instrument, but we also
have many guest musicians help out with drums.
Who is Dave Reynolds, anyway? I am still
trying to figure that one out (just kidding, again).
I grew up outside of Detroit, Michigan, the motor city.
I toured the country in a Christian rock band for
a few years after high school, then met my wonderful wife,
Kate. We have been married almost six years and
have lived in Rochester, Minnesota since first being married.
We have two great kids: Austin (4) and Stella (2).
Our kids are everything to us. I currently work
for Radcliffe Homes & Remodeling as the Remodeling
Sales Manager and Representative. Construction is
fun, but I enjoy my job as the worship leader at Journey
much more. I am also the lead singer/song writer
of the Indi rock band “OUT OF TIME,” playing shows all
over the Midwest, making it back in time every week for
church on Sunday.
Come and see what’s going on at Journey on Sunday mornings,
it’s a blast!
Email me!
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Children's Director - Cyndi Bontrager
I'm Cyndi Bontrager and I'm the director and lead teacher
for Journey's K-5 ministry, KidzVenture. I've been
at Journey since the beginning (I guess that goes with
being married to the pastor!). I love being in ministry
to reach kids for Christ because they are looking for
direction in the their lives and I know Jesus is who they
need! I'm thankful to the Lord for giving me this
call to ministry and for using me and blessing me in serving
the kids that come to Journey.
Rich and I have three beautiful daughters
(Abbi, Sarah, and Hannah) and I enjoy sharing life with
them as we are kept very busy. I'm a school teacher
in Rochester. I enjoy scrapbooking, spending time
with friends, and going for walks with Rich.
Email me!
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Little Stars Nursery - Sara Ellingson
Please contact me to find more about the Little Stars Nursery. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the care of your little ones during the Sunday morning services here at Journey Church.
Email me!
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Outreach Coach - MaryAnne Strong
Hi! I'm MaryAnne and I'm the outreach caoch. Whatever need you may have, whether it
be a some gas for your car, you're in need of a roommate,
or just someone to talk to, contact me and I will find
the people that will help you get what you need.
One main event I help coordinate is the
In His Name Food Distribution which happens one Saturday
each month. Journey, along with Team Rochester,
helps fill boxes full of food for people living in town
that are in need. There are many other ways you
can also help the We Care ministry. One quick and
simple thing you can do to help us out would be to donate
gas or gift cards to people who are in need by leaving
a gift card in the offering on Sunday. What an awesome
opportunity to serve God!
If you have any questions about other
ways you can help or you are needing help yourself, just
drop me a line via email, phone, or by catching me at
church on Sunday. God Bless!
Email me!
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