Autumn Warden

Women's Director

  952-447-0526

Pastor Kenny White

Shakopee Lead Campus Pastor

  952-447-0529

I'm Kenny! I am a work in progress and I love what Jesus has done for me and how The Holy Spirit has been given to me to live a life dedicated to Him. I take the LORD seriously but not myself! I love my wife (married since 1995) and my family. Also, I really love being a pastor. It's so much fun to gather and worship and live this life together! It's sometimes messy... and that is ok!

What book would you recommend and why?

This is not a "pastor" answer but there is no book that has changed my life and transformed me like the Bible. I can't emphasize enough the power of the WORD. The Bible is LIVING AND ACTIVE and there is no other book like it! I love the scriptures and because of the power of the Word I became a pastor.

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

I would take my family to Jerusalem for months! Going to Jerusalem feels like coming home after being away at college. It is a city that is timeless and new, scary and safe, intriguing yet familiar. It is a place where you can engage through education, work, humanitarian aid, or cultural diversity. Additionally, it is a place where you can celebrate rest! I love Jerusalem! I hope to return!

Do you have a hobby you really enjoy?

I just started fishing a little more seriously. I like the quiet repetition and the exciting fight in fishing. Fun stuff!

What is one of your favorite quotes?

"Don't believe everything you read on the internet!" - Abraham Lincoln

Okay, that was made up… but it is funny! I grew up in southern Indiana near Lincoln's childhood home. So I grew up hearing stories about him. I don't think I can narrow his quotes to "A FAVORITE" but one that has stuck in my head lately is, "Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be."

What do you think makes a good leader?

Someone who is not afraid to lead people to Jesus… especially when it is hard. Sometimes it requires clear direction and vision, while other times it requires humility to say, "I'm not sure!" (while seeking wisdom and searching the Word to get the answer).

Sam Dahl

High School Pastor

  952-447-0533

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 to lead me out of a 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!

Kenny White

Shakopee Lead Campus Pastor

  952-447-0529

I'm Kenny! I am a work in progress and I love what Jesus has done for me and how The Holy Spirit has been given to me to live a life dedicated to Him. I take the LORD seriously but not myself! I love my wife (married since 1995) and my family. Also, I really love being a pastor. It's so much fun to gather and worship and live this life together! It's sometimes messy... and that is ok!

What book would you recommend and why?

This is not a "pastor" answer but there is no book that has changed my life and transformed me like the Bible. I can't emphasize enough the power of the WORD. The Bible is LIVING AND ACTIVE and there is no other book like it! I love the scriptures and because of the power of the Word I became a pastor.

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

I would take my family to Jerusalem for months! Going to Jerusalem feels like coming home after being away at college. It is a city that is timeless and new, scary and safe, intriguing yet familiar. It is a place where you can engage through education, work, humanitarian aid, or cultural diversity. Additionally, it is a place where you can celebrate rest! I love Jerusalem! I hope to return!

Do you have a hobby you really enjoy?

I just started fishing a little more seriously. I like the quiet repetition and the exciting fight in fishing. Fun stuff!

What is one of your favorite quotes?

"Don't believe everything you read on the internet!" - Abraham Lincoln

Okay, that was made up… but it is funny! I grew up in southern Indiana near Lincoln's childhood home. So I grew up hearing stories about him. I don't think I can narrow his quotes to "A FAVORITE" but one that has stuck in my head lately is, "Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be."

What do you think makes a good leader?

Someone who is not afraid to lead people to Jesus… especially when it is hard. Sometimes it requires clear direction and vision, while other times it requires humility to say, "I'm not sure!" (while seeking wisdom and searching the Word to get the answer).

Autumn Warden

Connections Director

  952-447-0526

Autumn has been attending Friendship Church since 2008. She is married to Nathan Warden and has 3 beautiful children: Winona, Jake, and Lincoln. She has been involved in a variety of ministries including Children's, Youth, and Connections before joining the Friendship staff. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, running, traveling, and the occasional power nap. She has a passion for helping people discover their gifts and serve in a way that brings joy to their lives.

Pastor Art Hansen

LifeGroups Pastor

  952-447-0542

Joel

Worship Pastor

  952-447-0566

Pastor Joel is married to Hannah and they have two children.

Art Hansen

Care Pastor

  952-447-0526

Pastor Art is married to Barb (they met while counselors at a church camp) and have two adult children. Art graduated from Valley Baptist Theological Seminary and joined the Friendship staff in 2011.

What is your favorite movie and why?

A&E Collector's Edition of C. S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower   starring Ioan Gruffudd is my favorite movie series (eight movies). The presentation of how Hornblower grows into maturity (courage, honesty, morality, integrity, and respect for both his superiors and subordinates) is inspirational.

What book would you recommend and why?

The books that have influenced me the most in my Christian life (besides the Bible):
True Spirituality  by Francis Schaeffer
Mark of the Christian  by Francis Schaeffer
Victory Over the Darkness  by Neil Anderson
TrueFaced  by Bill Thrall, Bruce McNicol, and John Lynch
Mere Christianity  by C. S. Lewis
Lord Change Me  (previously titled, I Really Want to Change. . . So Help Me, God) by James MacDonald

Do you have a hobby you really enjoy?

My grandmother used to say "I was born to play baseball." My favorite teams are the Minnesota Twins and the St. Louis Cardinals. Also, I started playing golf to minister to a man who was going through a difficult time. He mentioned that I had a natural swing. But, I spend the most time reading. It allows me to learn new things, travel all over the planet and beyond, and to visit places and events in the past.

What is one of your favorite quotes?

"True spirituality is a continuing moment-by-moment proper relationship to the God who exists." - Francis Schaeffer, The God Who is There

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

I would like to visit Norway (the land of my ancestors) and take the cruises that visit Norwegian fjords and the midnight sun.

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

I admire Jeremiah. "Throughout his life, Jeremiah boldly confronted his people and their leaders with their sins and pleaded with them to repent and return to the Lord. Tragically, however, the people who most needed his leadership rejected him and turned their backs on God's Word." Quoted from NLT The Transformation Study Bible.

What do you like most about Friendship Church?

The name of the church says it all. From the first time we visited the church, the friendliness of the people and pastors was evident in all that they do for each other.

Pastor Art Hansen

Care Pastor

  952-447-0542

Pastor Art is married to Barb (they met while counselors at a church camp) and have two adult children. Art graduated from Valley Baptist Theological Seminary and joined the Friendship staff in 2011.

What is your favorite movie and why?

A&E Collector's Edition of C. S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower   starring Ioan Gruffudd is my favorite movie series (eight movies). The presentation of how Hornblower grows into maturity (courage, honesty, morality, integrity, and respect for both his superiors and subordinates) is inspirational.

What book would you recommend and why?

The books that have influenced me the most in my Christian life (besides the Bible):
True Spirituality  by Francis Schaeffer
Mark of the Christian  by Francis Schaeffer
Victory Over the Darkness  by Neil Anderson
TrueFaced  by Bill Thrall, Bruce McNicol, and John Lynch
Mere Christianity  by C. S. Lewis
Lord Change Me  (previously titled, I Really Want to Change. . . So Help Me, God) by James MacDonald

Do you have a hobby you really enjoy?

My grandmother used to say "I was born to play baseball." My favorite teams are the Minnesota Twins and the St. Louis Cardinals. Also, I started playing golf to minister to a man who was going through a difficult time. He mentioned that I had a natural swing. But, I spend the most time reading. It allows me to learn new things, travel all over the planet and beyond, and to visit places and events in the past.

What is one of your favorite quotes?

"True spirituality is a continuing moment-by-moment proper relationship to the God who exists." - Francis Schaeffer, The God Who is There

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

I would like to visit Norway (the land of my ancestors) and take the cruises that visit Norwegian fjords and the midnight sun.

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

I admire Jeremiah. "Throughout his life, Jeremiah boldly confronted his people and their leaders with their sins and pleaded with them to repent and return to the Lord. Tragically, however, the people who most needed his leadership rejected him and turned their backs on God's Word." Quoted from NLT The Transformation Study Bible.

What do you like most about Friendship Church?

The name of the church says it all. From the first time we visited the church, the friendliness of the people and pastors was evident in all that they do for each other.