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Pastor Ian joined the Normandale community in 2018 as Director of Worship Production and Congregational Development, and became Associate Pastor to Emerging Generations in February 2019 after being ordained. He brings enthusiasm, laughter, and a passion for being co-creators of goodness with God for the sake of those in the margins and comes to NLC with a decade of
diverse experiences in children, youth, and young adult ministry and community development. He studied communication and film production at the University of MN, graduated from Augsburg College, and earned his Master of Divinity from Luther
Seminary, with emphasis in youth ministry, justice, and reconciliation. Of the various “hats” he wears, being Rachel’s spouse and dad to Rollie and Sigrid are the most important ones, and any time he can be with them is time better spent. He loves music, dreaming about/in the garden, being outdoors, happy hours with friends, Timberwolves basketball, and connecting with people. Come say “hi!”
Pastor Jeff has deep roots at Normandale and in Edina. His parents lived a few blocks from Normandale and became members in the early 1960’s. His mother, Joanne, is still a member of the congregation and has lived in the same home for 60 years. Jeff
attended Sunday School at Normandale and was confirmed here in 1970. His faith was largely formed as part of NLC’s high school youth group, including memorable retreats and trips to the BWCA. Following graduation from high school, Jeff felt the call to ministry and began preparing to attend seminary, graduating from the University of Minnesota in 1977 with a BA in English. From 1976 – 1979, Jeff had his first paid experience in ministry, serving as Normandale’s parttime youth director. During this time he met his future wife, Melissa, also a Normandale member and they were married at Normandale on August 26th, 1978. Jeff graduated from Luther-Northwestern Seminary in 1981, and, after receiving a call to Augustana Lutheran Church in West St. Paul, was ordained at Gustavus Adolphus College. Normandale Pastors Carl Manfred and David Andert served as Jeff’s ordination sponsors. Jeff served three congregations over the time of his ministry. He was Associate Pastor at Augustana, West St. Paul, from 1981-1989. He was Senior Pastor at St. Paul Lutheran, Wyoming, MN from 1989-2009. He was Senior Pastor at Our Saviour’s Lutheran, Salt Lake City, UT from 2010-2017. He retired in June of 2017 to return to Minnesota to be closer to family and friends.
Jeff and Melissa have three adult children and two granddaughters. They now live in Andover. With his free time, Jeff enjoys sports activities, family activities, travel, and small projects around the house. Pastor Jeff is grateful for the opportunity to return to Normandale and serve as visitation pastor, bringing communion to members who have difficulty attending worship, some of whom may remember him from his youth!
