Kurt's Story

I grew up in a Christian home. My earliest memories include attending church with my family. While I grew up in church, I never took ownership of my faith until sixth grade. Riding my bicycle home from school, I was hit by a car and almost lost my life. While recovering in the hospital, I read the Bible with new interest and asked Jesus to be in charge of my life.

In high school, I traveled with Teen Missions, Intl. to Switzerland for a summer of mission work. At the beginning of the trip, I sensed God’s call on my life. In an evening rally, a speaker challenged us to come forward if we sensed God’s call to full-time ministry. That was the moment I realized God gave me a desire to use my life for Jesus’ kingdom.

In college, I pursued a degree in computer science. While interning for IBM, I realized the computer field was not the way I was called to serve Jesus. After college, I left IBM and attended Westminster Theological Seminary.

In seminary, I became interested in student ministry. I was a youth pastor until God gave me a desire to teach the Bible in a local church. I have done that for the last 30 years.

Cindy's Story

My wife was not raised in a Christian home. In her mid-twenties, at a low point in her life, she came across a pamphlet explaining the Four Spiritual Laws. As she read it, God touched her heart, and she asked Jesus into her life. She attended a Free Methodist Church where she was discipled in her faith by an older Christian couple.

I met her while attending the Willow Creek Community Church singles ministry. She knew I was studying to be a pastor. As our relationship progressed, so did her excitement for serving Christ together. Today her primary ministry is raising our three children. She is a natural encourager who enjoys helping behind the scenes. She is energized by displaying acts of kindness towards those in need. Before marriage, she was part of a team that managed computer security at Hewitt Associates in Deerfield, Illinois.

The Church We Serve

I am privileged to serve as the Lead Pastor of CrossWinds Church (www.crosswinds.tv). CrossWinds Church is an Evangelical Free Church with campuses in Spirit Lake and Spencer, IA. The church is driven by our mission: Reaching People With Jesus.