Nathan Miller

Family Ministry Director

952-447-0532

Nathan Miller is the Family Ministry Pastor at Friendship Church. Nathan Miller grew up in Owatonna, Minnesota, and graduated from Crown College with a bachelor’s degree in English and a masters in Intercultural Leadership. After studying at The Bethlehem Institute, he earned his M.Div. from Bethel Seminary. Nathan is passionate about missions, youth ministry, and whole-life discipleship and enjoys books, backpacking, soccer, and sushi. He is married to his best friend, Maria, and they have six children.

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Sam Dahl

High School Pastor

952-567-6486

Sam is our High School Pastor. He started at Friendship as an intern in 2013 and since that time has been hired on as full time staff.

What book would you recommend and why?

Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer. It's a short book on the attributes of God that is sure to expand your view of God.

If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?

I would have loved to walk with Jesus on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24).

What is one of your favorite quotes?

"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." - A.W. Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy

Your idea of a perfect day?

I would sleep in, do devotions outside by a still quiet lake, then meet up with friends and do something active, like sports, hiking or boating. After that I would have a bonfire as the sun set, and finish the night with a movie (or watching the Packers win the Super Bowl).

Besides Jesus, who is your favorite person in the Bible and why?

Gideon, I can relate to his doubts about if God can use him, and then to see God do awesome things through him and make a mighty warrior out of him.

What do you think makes a good leader?

The right combination of confidence and humility, with wisdom that comes through reading the Word, and a heart after God that is seen in a dependence on prayer.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse, chapter or book?

Philippians 4:6-7, God used this verse in my life to lead me out of a life that was controlled by anxiety.

What do you like most about Friendship Church?

The family-like bond that is found among those who attend here, and the heart of the volunteer leaders in the youth ministry. They love the Lord and love the students in such a beautiful way!

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Jeremy Johnson

Middle School Pastor

952-465-9869

Jeremy is our Middle School Pastor. He is married to Jessica and they have six kids. Jeremy has a long history relationally with Friendship Church, going back to 1991 when a youth ministry team from Friendship was sent to his small rural church. Jeremy was a youth intern at Friendship in 1999 and his family recently joined as members in 2017.

What is your favorite movie and why?

Run the Race'. A story of football, faith, facing fears and tight family bonds.

What book would you recommend and why?

MARGIN, by Richard A. Swenson. We live in a day of burnout, loneliness, and this book gives a thorough and practical plan to make room for building space back into a busy life. This is vital if our connection with God is going to be vibrant!

Do you have a hobby you really enjoy?

Reading or active sports, especially FOOTBALL!!!

Besides Jesus, who is your favorite person in the Bible and why?

The apostle Paul. He has such depth, grit, passion, and tenderness toward Jesus and the church.

If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?

Without a doubt, the Day that Jesus returns! It would be exhilarating to say the least?

What do you think makes a good leader?

A strong love, a listening ear, a fear of God, and effective communication skills.

What has God been showing you lately that has surprised or delighted you?

God has been reminding me just how tender His love toward each one of us is. It has actually come as a surprise for me recently. As I listen to good worship songs He has been stirring my heart in love for people.

What do you like most about Friendship Church?

I would have to say her faithfulness to the word of God and the extraordinary personalities God has united here.

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Matt Himple

Flood Director

952-567-6482

Matt is the Flood Director leading our Junior High ministry at the Shakopee campus. Matt lives in Savage with his wife Marissa and they are expecting their first child in March 2020. Together they enjoy board games, disc golf and taking their two dogs on walks. Matt has been involved with youth since he was in high school and graduated from Northwestern College (Saint Paul) with a bachelors in Youth and Family Studies.

Do you have a hobby you really enjoy?

Disc Golf. The enjoyment of being out in God's creation, building and refining measurable physical skills, topped off with fantastic fellowship with others! I was brought into the hobby by one of my church leaders in high school and it certainly helped me grow in my faith!

What is your favorite movie and why?

Really hard question! JUST ONE? The Emperor's New Groove. It has llamas, laughter, breaks the 4th wall, and is fantastically quotable.

If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?

I would love to be there should we ever develop FTL (Faster than Light) travel. I've always been a SciFi nerd and would love to witness such a staple of SciFi come to life!

Besides Jesus, who is your favorite person in the Bible and why?

Nehemiah. His example of Biblical, servant leadership is inspiring. His confidence and patience in the Lord is so encouraging.

What do you think makes a good leader?

Someone who is looking out for those they are leading before themselves in a genuine, impactful way.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse, chapter or book?

Ephesians 1:16-20 (NLT)

I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called-his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms.

What do you like most about Friendship Church?

The embracing community, since the first week my wife and I walked in the door we have felt welcomed and embraced. The people of the church truly give life to the name of Friendship.

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Gen Johnson

Family Ministry Admin

952-567-6462

Gen is Friendship’s Family Ministries Admin. She is married to Dan and they have four kids. She started going to the Friendship youth group in seventh grade when her family moved to Prior Lake. She was the grade 5 and 6 director for several years and left in 2012 to be a full-time stay at home mom. Now that her kids are all in school, she was excited to jump back into ministry.

What is your favorite movie and why?

I have two that are equaling my favorite: The Anne of Green Gables movies (1985 version) and Pride and Prejudice (2005 version). I love the uniqueness of the lead female characters. Anne and Elizabeth weren't afraid to be different than what society expected of women at the time. And Mr. Darcy and Gilbert need no explanation.

If money were no object, where would you take your next vacation?

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia! I grew up there and have always dreamed of going back. They just recently opened the country to tourists- so maybe one day my dream will come true.

Your idea of a perfect day?

A hot sunny day - 95 degrees - blue skies - at the beach with family and friends. Good food and drinks, a good book, sitting in a float in the water.

What book would you recommend and why?

From Good to Grace by Christine Hoover. This book is for those who struggle with always trying hard to do good things and live up to Christian expectations - but feel like you're missing out on the joy that Jesus offers. I tend to lean into my works in order to please God and of course I always fall short. Hoover refers to the mindset as the goodness gospel. This book points you to the gospel of grace and the freedom that Jesus offers.

What is one of your favorite quotes?

"I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages." - Charles Spurgeon Someone gave me this quote at a time in my life when I was really sick. We had a lot of trials hit us that year. But I learned that each wave made me lean more into God, and so when the waves came, I could be grateful.

"Anything that makes me need God, is a blessing." - Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth.