Meet Our Staff

  • Nate Hartke

    Lead Pastor

    Nate has served as lead pastor here at St. John's since 2009. His personal purpose in life is to awaken and strengthen people to a real relationship with Jesus Christ. Nate leads and manages our staff. You can contact Nate at nate@stjohnsop.com

  • Mike Blackwell

    Care & Visitation Pastor

    Mike has been the care and visitation pastor since 2011. Mike coordinates pastoral care visits for the pastoral staff and lay deacons and visitors. He also leads the Saturday worship services. Mike feels it is a special privilege to take the love and presence of Jesus to people as they journey through some of the challenging times of life. You can reach Mike at mike@stjohnsop.com

  • Sarah Gembar

    Children's Discipleship Ministry Director

    Sarah and her family joined St. John's in 2021 and she joined the staff in 2023. She is passionate about teaching the next generation to love and know Jesus and point others to Him, while growing and serving with the strong, faithful community at St. John's. If you have any questions or need more information about children's ministry, you can contact Sarah at sarah@stjohnsop.com

  • Daniel Oberdieck

    Director of CHristian Education Intern

    Daniel and his wife Grace joined St. John's in 2024. Daniel came to serve as the Director of Christian Education Intern to complete his degree through Concordia University, Nebraska. He seeks to serve this family of faith by enhancing the educational offerings of St. John's, especially for the youth and men's ministries! If you have any questions or need more information about middle school, high school, and men's ministry, you can contact Daniel at daniel@stjohnsop.com


  • Tarinee Pefley

    Ministry Coordinator

    Tarinee and her family joined St. John's in 2014 and she joined the staff in 2023. She helps to organize the various ministries across the church and feels blessed to be a part of the St. John's community. If you have any questions about ministry areas at St. John's, you can contact Tarinee at tarinee@stjohnsop.com

  • Nick Kempski

    Director of Music

    Nick joined St. John's staff as Sunday organist in July 2009 and became Director of Music in January 2013. As a lifelong church musician, he feels blessed to use his talents in worship. If you have any questions about music at St. John's, Nick can be reached at nick@stjohnsop.com

  • Norma Carbeck

    Bookkeeper/Office Assistant

    Norma has attended St. John's since 1999 and became a member in 2006. She has taken part in many ministries - believing in serving others with joy and striving to always reflect the love of Jesus. You can contact Norma at norma@stjohnsop.com

  • Mike Campese

    Facilities/property manager

    Mike joined the St. John's staff in 2021. He oversees all maintenance, upkeep, and room reservations for the building. If you are interested in booking a room for an event or Bible study, you can contact Mike at propertymike@stjohnsop.com

  • Dawn Sauda

    Administrative Assistant

    Dawn started working at St. John's in February 2019. She and her family have been members of our church since 2015. Dawn feels blessed to be a part of the St. John's staff and family, and is looking forward to our exciting future as a growing community. You can contact Dawn at dawn@stjohnsop.com

  • Andrea Smith

    Administrative Assistant

    Andrea has been actively involved at St. John's for many years. She joined the St. John's staff in 2023 and is looking forward to continuing to help and serve the community of St. John's. You can contact Andrea at andrea@stjohnsop.com

  • mICHELLE fAUST

    Database & Recordkeeping

    Michelle joined St. John's in 2013, along with her family. She has been on staff since April 2019. She assists in recordkeeping for St. John's including member records and the member directory. You can contact Michelle at michelle@stjohnsop.com