Zion Staff
JOHN G. KLINE, Lead Pastor
Pastor John began his call at Zion on September 1, 2005. Prior to coming to Zion, he and his wife, Grace, were self-supporting missionaires at the Latvian Christian Academy in Latvia. Previously, Pastor John served as Teaching Pastor at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines from 1996-2003. johnkline@ziondsm.org
TINA RASMUSSEN,Teaching Pastor
Tina has worked in areas of small group leadership development, women's ministry and has developed, written, and taught Bible classes for the last 12 years. She is a graduate of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and recently completed her Masters of Divinity degree from Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. Prior to her work in adult Bible study, Tina worked for 18 years as an asset manager for the Department of Housing and Urban Development in Des Moines. tinarasmussen@ziondsm.org
BRENT OSBORNE, Intern Pastor & Director of Youth Ministries
Brent came to Zion as the Director of Youth Ministries in June 1999. Brent was formerly a Youth Director at Union Memorial Church in Milford, IA, and part of the youth ministry team at Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp. He graduated from the University of Northern Iowa and is currently seeking his Masters of Divinity degree from Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Brent's reason for "doing what I do is that I believe that Jesus is the way, as He says in John 14:6. I believe that truth, life, and true happiness are only found in a relationship with Him and that He is the only way to eternal rest and joy in the presence of the Almighty God. I am so grateful for Christ's love, mercy, and grace; I want to live my life so that Jesus might overflow onto those around me. I am continually amazed and thankful that God has called me to such a wonderful ministry at Zion. It is with my prayer that He uses me to do His will among our youth and all people I come into contact with." brentosborne@ziondsm.org
CAROL MURKEN, Director of Office Ministries
Carol has been on staff at Zion since mid-1999. Her background includes office management, human resources, and account coordination for several advertising agencies. She received her A.A. degree in Journalism from Iowa Lakes Community College, and also served as copywriter and editor for several small newspapers before moving to Des Moines. carolmurken@ziondsm.org
KEVIN KING, Director of Worship & Music
Before being called to Zion, Kevin was a Variable Data/Database Programmer for a local printing company for seven years. Kevin's love of music is demonstrated by his many years spent as a professional musician playing with many artists such as Chuck Berry, Del Shannon, Tommy Roe, Bobby Vee, The Drifters, The Coasters, The Crystals, The Shirelles, as well as his own band, Hot Rod Chevy Kevy. Kevin grew up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where he attended the University of Sioux Falls. kevinking@ziondsm.org
BREEANN COWGER, Director of Youth Ministries
BreeAnn grew up in Des Moines, attended Zion, and graduated from Johnston High School in 2002. She received a Degree in English Education from the University of Northern Iowa. During her summers, she worked at Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp as a Counselor and Day Camp Leader. In June 2007, BreeAnn moved to Perth, Australia, to participate in a discipleship training school through Youth With A Mission (YWAM). The outreach component of her training led her to northwest Africa where she worked in clinics, schools, and orphanages. Before joining the Zion staff, BreeAnn was also employed as a Substitute Teacher and as a Barista. breeanncowger@ziondsm.org
AL HOPP, Facilities Manager
Al has been a member of Zion since 1973. He joined Zion's staff as Facilities Manager in January 2007, after serving four years as Chair of the Property Team. Al is a native Iowan and graduated from Iowa State University in 1964 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He is a retired professional engineer with 40-plus years experience in the design, analysis, and testing of building mechanical systems. Al's life experiences serve him well in his responsibility for caring for the beautiful facility God has blessed us with. alhopp@ziondsm.org
BRYAN MARTENS, Organist & Jubilate Choir Director
Bryan is Zion's Organist and Jubilate Choir Director. He enhances Zion's worship services with his inspirational organ and piano music.
HAROLD HOSCH, Scholar in Residence
Harold Hosch is a retired professor of Old Testament at Lutheran Brethren Seminary in Fergus Falls, MN. His long career includes staff positions at St. Paul Bible College and the Association of Free Lutheran Churches Seminary in St. Paul, MN. Harold is the author of many publications including A Handbook on Deuteronomy and many journal articles that are referenced all over the world. He is a former pastor in the both the Lutheran and Christian and Missionary Alliances churches. Harold and his wife, Mary, live in West Des Moines. harold.hosch@gmail.com
ROBERT A. SOLBERG, Pastor Emeritus
Pastor Bob served Zion from 1986 through his retirement in July 2007. Prior to his call to serve at Zion, he served for three years as Parish Pastor in North Dakota, near Minot. This was preceded by a four-year graduate degree program in Minneapolis/St. Paul, eleven years as an evangelistic missionary in Papua, New Guinea, four years as a theological student at Luther Seminary, and two years as a teacher of mathematics in the SUA and Zimbabwe, Africa. He is a graduate of Luther College. robertsolberg@ziondsm.org
DEAN W. HOFERER, Pastor Emeritus
Pastor Dean served two separate "tours of duty" at Zion. He also served as Pastor at several churches throughout Iowa: St. John Lutheran, Dundee; St. Peter Lutheran, Lamont; St. Peter Lutheran, Denver; Our Savior's Lutheran, Cedar Rapids. He received his Master of Divinity from Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, and graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. deanhoferer@ziondsm.org
Do you have questions about Zion’s ministry and mission? Feel free to contact any Zion staff member. You may also contact any member of our governing board.
Dwain Swanson, Congregational President, dwainswanson@ziondsm.org
Board of Spiritual Oversight
Mark King, BOA Liaison to BSO, markking@ziondsm.org
Pastor John Kline, johnkline@ziondsm.org
David Murken, davidmurken@ziondsm.org
John Roepke, johnroepke@ziondsm.org
Jamie Stenger, jamiestenger@ziondsm.org
Judy Swift, judyswift@ziondsm.org
Board of Administration
Mark King, BOA President, markking@ziondsm.org
Vicki Hunting, Property, vickihunting@ziondsm.org
Mike Naig, Communications, mikenaig@ziondsm.org
Brian Thielges, Stewardship, brianthielges@ziondsm.org
Travis Wilson, Finance, traviswilson@ziondsm.org
Miriam Yocum, Human Resources, miriamyocum@ziondsm.org