Refuge Leadership
PASTORS
Interim Pastor
Pastor Jon and his wife Teresa both grew up in Iowa. They met after high school through Jon’s home church. The ministry of that church in their lives set them on a course that led to their meeting, marriage, and to a life of ministry together. They say they “met in a cornfield” because they attended a retreat which was held at a camp surrounded by corn fields! This fall they will celebrate their 50th anniversary.
They have two daughters and wonderful twin granddaughters. Jon loves all things coffee, and he enjoys fishing, woodworking and collecting fountain pens. There is something relaxing about a fountain pen that just doesn’t come through a computer. Teresa is a musician with a worshiper’s heart. She has a collection of acoustic guitars. Hearing her play her Guild twelve-string caught Jon’s attention even before they met. Their journey following Jesus and serving churches could best be described with a phrase from Eugene Perterson: “a long obedience in the same direction.”
Jon earned his Master of Divinity from Western Seminary (Portland OR) and his Doctor of Ministry from Biola University (La Mirada CA). Together they have served five churches in four different denominations in Iowa, Nebraska, Southern California, and Arizona. Since 2019 Jon has served as an intentional interim pastor with Interim Pastor Ministries.
Associate Pastor
Pastor Mark and his wife, Beth, moved to Zimmerman in the summer of 2018. Since 1980, Pastor Mark has been primarily involved in ministering to students and has served as an Asst. Pastor in Robbinsdale, MN from 1982-90 and in Park Rapids, MN from 1992-2012. He is presently serving part-time at Refuge Church in a wide variety of ministries. Mark and Beth have 3 children and 7 grandchildren, all who live in the Twin Cities area. Mark enjoys playing senior softball, fishing, and traveling.
Interim Youth Pastor
Pastor Kevin and his wife Kelly live in Chaska. He is a 30-year veteran of youth ministry and has a passion not only for seeing teenagers come to a saving faith in Christ, but also growing in their faith and experiencing the work of the Holy Spirit in and through them. Kevin is currently the Minnesota Area Director for an organization called Youth Ministry Consultants where he coaches, mentors, and trains youth pastors and youth ministry volunteers. His ministry experience includes pastoring with the CMA, Converge, and most recently the Evangelical Free Church. His experience with the E-Free Church has been as an interim youth director and youth ministry consultant. He loves to speak at youth camps and conferences. Kevin is a licensed pastor and is currently pursuing credentialing with the E-Free Church. He is certified in general family counseling through the American Association of Christian Counselors and is also certified in “Critical Incident Stress Management” (CISM).
ELDER BOARD MEMBERS
Don Stellflug-Chairman
Born & raised in the Elk River area, I attended Central Lutheran Church. I came to Jesus in an inverted “frog in boiling water scenario.” As a Sr. High grad, I attended a Lundstrom’s revival in Princeton with my future wife who went forward to re-dedicate her life to Christ. While she prayed to God that if I was in her future, I would still be there when she came back, I was having an epiphany that “yes Jesus was my savior, had been invited into my heart; just had never put the “Born Again into the register.” And all said “Daah.” Now, almost fifty years on, five children and seven grandchildren later I am still thankful that Jesus is Lord. We have attended Refuge since 1978. For many years we worked with the Youth Ministry and are very thankful to all the parents & church leadership who let us “practice” on their youth. My perspective on life had been shaped by Refuge and its pastors. “It is NEVER over as long as you MOVE FORWARD, with PURPOSE and DIRECTION!!” Applicable to church, work and play. Kay and I enjoy hiking, biking, camping and Geocaching, especially when it’s done together. We realize “IT’S ALL OVER WHEN YOU STOP MOVING FORWARD, WITH PURPOSE AND DIRECTION.
My name is Joel Johnson. Refuge EFC has been an important part of my life since its inception back in the summer of 1973. My wife Robin and I were married in 1974 by Pastor Ezra Budke, the first pastor who served this church. Both of our kids attended youth group here until they went to college. This church has been our home since its beginning and it is where God has led us to serve in varying capacities throughout the last 50 years. In recent years, Robin served almost every Sunday at the projection booth when the 8:00 service was active, she helps with Awana, has been very involved with the church decorating, and the two of us have helped out at VBS and we are currently co-leading a growth group with the Baluczynski's. I have been the treasurer for the last 23 years and am currently serving on the elder board. My hobbies include hunting, gopher trapping, bird watching, and studying God's natural world. My interests are my God, my family, my church, and my friends, despite the fact that I am an introvert.
Daniel Tang grew up in Minneapolis MN and moved to Princeton MN in 2001. He became a Christian in 2000. He is married to his wife, Milissa, and they have six children. He has been attending Refuge Church since 2009. He has led Growth groups as well as the Conquer Series class. Milissa has volunteered for many years in the Awana program as well as children's church and VBS. Dan enjoys spending time as an American Kennel Club judge, riding horseback, and fishing on the Great Lakes.
Dan Walden was born and raised in North Minneapolis and later lived in Maple Grove for most of his adult life. He was raised in the Catholic church but never understood the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ until it was introduced to him through the fellowship of AA.
After marrying his wife Becky in 2006, they moved to Zimmerman and became members of Refuge church. Dan and Becky have three daughters and two sons from previous marriages and enjoy being grandparents to seven wonderful grandchildren ranging in age from 4 to 20 years old.
Dan is blessed by the Lord with 33 years of sobriety and is led by the Lord in his ministry of helping other alcoholics achieve sobriety and find their strength in Jesus.
Dan enjoys woodworking and gardening and relishes the times he can spend outdoors in God’s wonderful creation.
Matthew Johnson was born and raised in Montevideo, MN. He married his wife, Jenna, in 2007. They have four children, Austin, Kaitlyn, Madelyn, and Owen. He is currently serving Refuge as a Growth Group Leader, Youth Group Leader, Sunday school teacher, soundboard for Sunday mornings, and you can also find him serving in the craft room during our yearly vacation Bible school program. His hobbies include spending time with his family, playing games, and hunting. He is excited about what God has in store for Refuge in the years to come.
My name is Jorge Vargas. I was born in Asunción, Paraguay. I became a US citizen in 1993. I am married to Karon and we have 4 children and 8 grandchildren. We have attended Refuge for over 40 years. I retired from Federal Cartridge in 2015. I enjoy outdoor activities especially with grandkids. I am currently a Tuesday volunteer at the thrift store and do lots of odd jobs around church. I am humbled to be considered to serve as an elder.