Meet the Staff at Lord of Life
Pastor Billy is originally from Houston, Tx. While He didn’t grow up as a Christian, Jesus found a way to draw him in though a simple invitation. Someone said, “Come and see what this Christian community is all about.” This began a journey of redemption, restoration, and renewal. God continues to shape Pastor Billy today as he strives to be a faithful follower of Jesus, husband, dad, and pastor. The journey hasn’t been a straight line, but it has been filled with God’s handiwork every step of the way. Here are some cliff notes:
-
Baptized December 2000.
-
Attended Concordia University, Nebraska obtaining a B.A. in Business Administration and picking up Biblical languages.
-
Boy meets girl at college and Pastor Billy and Kristen get married in 2007 right here in Sioux Falls, SD!
-
Attended Concordia Seminary, St. Louis obtaining a Master of Divinity and was ordained August 2011.
-
Kristen and Pastor Billy now have four children and enjoy showing them what it looks like to follow Jesus wherever they live, work, learn, and play.
Pastor Billy enjoys being outside, doing triathlon things, coaching cross country, and spending time with Kristen and the kiddos. Every step of the way, Pastor Billy strives to share the never ending, steadfast love of Jesus with all people.
Chera is originally from Ethiopia and came to the United States as an immigrant in 2007. He found the Lord of Life family in 2009 with an Oromo speaking group and became its ordained pastor in 2014. Chera is very passionate about the Church and spends a lot of time involved with the ministry, however, he is also employed at Graco Inc. as a machine operator. Chera and his wife Siyade have three lovely daughters, Urji, Biftu, and Mia which he enjoys spending as much time as he can with them. Other things Chera enjoys in his free time are working on electronics as well as more time in prayer.
Delores and her husband Steve have been part of the Lord of Life family since the church's start in 1988. In 1995 Delores began working in the church office and has maintained it ever since! Over the years Delores has volunteered for many ministries but her favorite always comes back to directing musicals/dinner theatres at LOL. She enjoys the enhancement of the worship experience coming alive in the adults & youths involved. Delores and Steve have two beautiful daughters, Alyssa and Carly. In September 2016 they welcomed a son(in law) into the family when Alyssa married Kyle and have since been blessed with four children. When Delores isn't busy tending to the church, she enjoys spending time with her family (especially those grand babies), golfing, relaxing with a good book, scrap-booking and card making!
Bre was raised in the church and joined Lord of Life along with her family in 1998. Starting at 11 years old, she joined the worship team, and that has been a huge part of her life growing up. Bre took the worship director position at the end of 2021. She is often joined by her sisters, mom, and grandma as they lead worship together. Bre has a passion for Christian music and loves being able to arrange and mesh songs together in order to enhance the worship service. Some of Bre’s favorite Christian artists/groups are Hillsong United, Phil Wickham, Kari Jobe, and Elevation Worship. In Bre's spare time, she loves spending time with her husband Josh, and her two schnauzers, Leo and Bentley. She also loves caring for her 150 houseplants, spending time outdoors hiking and kayaking, photography, and Cricut projects. Bre is a Sioux Falls Lutheran School alumni and received her masters of occupational therapy degree from Concordia University Wisconsin. Bre works full time at Avera McKennan Hospital as an occupational therapist and certified lymphedema and wound therapist.