Jim & Julie Filbeck
SENIOR PASTOR ~ Jim Filbeck
Jim was born in Viroqua Wisconsin and raised in Roseville, Minnesota where his father was an Assemblies Of God minister for many years. When he was only 15, his mother passed away, leaving Jim and his sisters - Pam and Beth, without a mother. God used this time in Jim's life and he eventually committed his life to God at age 18 and entered Bible College to prepare for the ministry.
Jim married his high school sweetheart - Julie, and then graduated from North Central Bible College in 1988 and has been in full-time pastoral ministry ever since. Jim pastored in England from 1988 to 1991. He then moved to Auburn, Washington and was an associate pastor and eventually became the senior pastor until 2002.
The Filbecks have been here at Rochester Assembly since November 2002.
BIGGEST PASSION IN MINISTRY: I Love to see people find their spiritual gifts and then use it for Gods glory.
PERSON WHO IMPACTED YOU THE MOST: Bob Smith from Basingstoke England. He taught me to wear my heart on my sleeve. He helped me understand the concept of team ministry and how to use it to the fullest.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOU: Have always loved farming... I own some beef cows.
MOST EMBARRASING MOMENT: I was asked to take the photos of my older sister's graduation from Oral Roberts University. I had just bought a new camera that took great photos. However, at the graduation ceremony I took all of these great photos only to find out that there was no film in the camera. All of the family thought they could get prints from me... wrong!
FAVORITE FOOD: Burgers & Pizza
Bruce & Sherry Kallies
ADULTS & PASTORAL CARE ~ Bruce Kallies
Bruce was born and raised in Wisconsin and lived with an alcoholic father until his father was involved in an altercation in which he beat a man to death. Bruce's dad was thrown in prison - leaving the family to fend for themselves with little income and no father. Bruce somehow found the strength to forgive his dad, and soon after he was invited to water ski with some friends who attended an Assemblies of God church. Bruce connected with the young people at that church and soon found Christ as his Lord and Savior.
Bruce felt called to attend North Central Bible College and it was there that he met a pretty girl named Sherry who eventually became his wife. They entered pastoral ministry soon after that. After many succesful years at Redwood Falls Assembly of God, The Kallies's picked up and followed the Lord's guidance to Rochester Assembly of God church in 1987.
BIGGEST PASSION IN MINISTRY: I Love to see people come together and unite for God's glory.
PERSON WHO IMPACTED YOU THE MOST: Ernie Moen, former pastor here at Rochester Assembly of God.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOU: I love fishing, but I am sure nobody knows that! Ha Ha
MOST EMBARRASING MOMENT: When I was water skiing for the first time with my youth group back home, I didn't know how to let go of the rope, and held on long after I was supposed to let go. This pulled me down, down deep to the very bottom of the lake where I was covered in sea weed and mud. I finally let go and came to the surface as fast as I could. When I got up out of the water, I reached down to pull up my swim trunks, only to find they were missing! I dove back into the water, having never opened my eyes under water before in my life, and I found the trunks, miraculously I put them back on and came out of the water like nothing had happened!
FAVORITE FOOD: Steak, Gormet Desserts
Ernie & Jan Gafkjen
FACILITIES & SENIOR ADULTS ~ Ernie Gafkjen
Ernie grew up in Sunburg, Minnesota and met and married Jan, the love of his life. They have 5 children, and have been in ministry for many years. Ernie continued his studies and earned an Associate of Arts in Ministry degree from Christ for the Nations Bible Institute in Dallas, Texas. It was during his early years in ministry where he developed a passion to teach the Word of God - seeing the importance of helping others have a scriptural foundation for thier lives amidst all of the crazy, convoluted theories out in the world. Doctrine and Scriptural Teaching became one of Ernie's formost endeavors.
After many years in the central part of Minnesota & Northern Iowa, the Gafkjen's made a change and moved to Rochester. They have been here on staff since 1999 and we are blessed to have them here - They are truly a foundational part of our pastoral team!
BIGGEST PASSION IN MINISTRY: Discipleship & Teaching God's Word.
PERSON WHO IMPACTED YOU THE MOST: Lowell Lundstrom - former evangelist and now founding pastor of Celebration Church in Lakeville, MN.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOU: I Speak Norwegian - Can you say "Ludefisk?" Ha Ha
MOST EMBARRASING MOMENT: None - Now that is embarrassing!
FAVORITE FOOD: I love Pecan Pie!
Andy & Christy Cass
YOUTH PASTOR ~ Andy Cass
Andy and Christy, separately and together, represent such a driving force of commitment to the kids they lead, passion for God, example in lifestyle and the pinnacle of fun at youth group. Wednesdays at Rochester Assembly is the place to be for teens.
The G8 has managed to bring fun and excitement to kids all over our city simply for the fun of it all! But that's not where it stops. Andy brings a serious message to "his kids" wrapped around the shenanigans of food fights, 8 ft soccer balls and relay races that teens are standing in line to get at. Skate boarders grind and slam both inside and out of the building. The youth of our city are drawn to the pulsing fun of the group and the relevant message that Andy both preaches and lives. He is direct, truthful, to the point, brief and impacting. It is the perfect mix for the crowd he serves. He tells it like it is...and then hammers in his commitment through the language kids love most....fun!
And when the Casses are not hosting kids and groups at their home, planning amazing youth events, traveling with teens on adventures, they are busily interweaving their magnetic presence deep into the lives of those under their care. From mentoring, to hard talks, to choosing a college, to shopping, to movies, to meeting with parents, to responding to a crisis, to crying with their kids, to praying and seeking God's face, they have leveraged their lives for the Kingdom and for their youth. This is apparent to all who know them. They shine. And the kids know it, too. They are drawn to them. In fact, you cannot count how many times a kid around the corner of the church will say, "Let's see what Andy thinks." Or, "I wonder what Andy and Christy are doing?" Within the walls of many parent's homes, their names are heard at least twice a day! They are the most influential young adults you could ever meet!
BIGGEST PASSION IN MINISTRY: Teens!
PERSON WHO IMPACTED YOU THE MOST: "The People"
LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOU: I am actually an adult.
MOST EMBARRASING MOMENT: You need to ask Andy about this - it all came out in the end!
FAVORITE FOOD: Steak and Mashed Potatoes
Reed & Shari Cape
CHILDREN & ADMINISTRATION PASTOR ~ Reed Cape
Reed was born in Lakeland, Florida and lived in California, New Mexico, and Arizona prior to graduating from High School in Arizona. He went to the University of Arizona for two years studying Pre-Med. He left school and basically became a gypsy traveling through California, Nevada, Oregon, Arizona and Idaho selling seafood out of the back of his truck. One day an older couple stopped by his truck and invited him to their home for rhubarb pie and ice cream and then invited him to church. The next day during a Wednesday service he gave his life to Christ.
After attending Boise State University for two years and volunteering in Children’s Ministry at his church for five years, he was asked to work full time at his church as their children’s pastor. He completed his ministerial studies with Berean University with the Assembly of God. After seven years on staff in Idaho as Children’s pastor he was asked by Jim Filbeck to join his team in Auburn, Washington. He served five years as children’s pastor in Washington before joining Jim once again in Rochester, Minnesota.
Shortly after moving to Rochester Reed met a wonderful girl named Shari – who’s family had been a instrumental part of Rochester Assembly for years. Reed and Shari were married in 2006. Now they have two beautiful daughters and a baby boy on the way.
BIGGEST PASSION IN MINISTRY: Seeing kids grow in their relationship with Christ.
PERSON WHO IMPACTED YOU THE MOST: Vikki Johnson - a mentor as a new Christian.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOU: I have backpacked over 1000 miles.
MOST EMBARRASING MOMENT: Was speaking in front of a large group in high school and accidentally mispronounced a word that ended up being a cuss word.
FAVORITE FOOD: Smoked BBQ Ribs
Jeff & Sylvie Saxton
OUTREACH & COMMUNICATIONS PASTOR ~ Jeff Saxton
Jeff was born and raised in the Twin Cities. He eventually found Christ and began attending Roseville Assembly Of God where, coincidentally, Pastor Jim & Julie also attended because Jim's dad was then the senior pastor of that church. Jeff got involved with the youth ministry and graduated from North Central Bible College in 1989. After over a decade of youth ministry, Jeff then moved on to minister to young adults and also some associate pastor roles.
In 2006, Jeff was asked to come on an interim basis and pastor the worship, music and drama departments until a full-time worship pastor could be found. Once that occured, Jeff was asked to stay and continue the drama ministry but added other video, media aspects as well as young adults. Jeff met Sylvie - a Polish girl who felt called to America. Sylvie was over the Women's Ministry at Rochester Assembly at the time. They fell in love and got married in November of 2007. Jeff finally met his match in Sylvie!
PERSON WHO IMPACTED YOU THE MOST: Elmer Murdoch - founding pastor of Trinity Church Interdenominational in Omaha, Nebraska. He taught me many of the things I needed to know about ministry. He was a teacher's teacher, a preacher's preacher, and most of all he knew how to follow the Holy Spirit's leading.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOU: I made a movie. Oh, and I like to write.
MOST EMBARRASING MOMENT: I once chased my brother around the bedroom on the second story of our house. When he had lured me just in front of a huge picture window which was covered by a large curtain, he slowly cranked open the side windows - threw open the curtain and below the neighbor lady was standing. My brother let out a loud scream, the lady shrieked and looked up to see who the crazy fool was that was screaming at her, and I was staring at her with a blank look on my face! I think I scared her to death - but it was all my brother's fault, I promise!
FAVORITE FOOD: Indian Cuisine
Chris & Paula Ellefson
CHILDCARE/NURSERY & PRE-K DIRECTOR
Paula grew up here in Rochester and lived basically for herself, enjoying friends, partying until she came to understand God's love for her. She gave her life to Christ and began pursuing the things of God with her husband Chris. Soon she became more involved as she experienced more and more freedom and power in her Christian walk.
Evetually, Paula was asked to direct the childcare and nursery ministries at Rochester Assembly because of her skills and passion for ministry to young children. Paula serves beside her husband Chris, who is a board member of the church, a regular actor in the drama department productions, as well as a co-leader of the men's ministry and also leader of small group studies that meet in their home.
BIGGEST PASSION IN MINISTRY: I love to see children come to know the Lord at a young age. It is so inspiring to really see the children understand and comprehend God's Word and to build a personal relationship with Christ. I also enjoy meeting new families and their children and making sure that they feel absolutely welcomed into the church family. It is so fun and energizing to see children worshiping and learning about the Lord.
PERSON WHO IMPACTED YOU THE MOST: I would have to say that the person who impacted my life the most when it comes to children's ministry is Sherry Kallies (Pastor Bruce's wife). She ran the early childhood department before me and she was actually the one who encouraged me to do this job and be more of a part of the children's ministry. She gave me the encouragement and support that I needed and still does to this day!
LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOU: When I was five years old, I bit the tip of my tongue almost completely off and was the first person to have stitches put in my tongue at St. Mary's Emergency room.
MOST EMBARRASING MOMENT: Ahhh, to many to choose from but I am definitely sure that it had to have involved my childhood best friend Molly!
FAVORITE FOOD: This is tough, I really like a variety of foods, not to picky except I will not eat anything slimy like clams or squid or pickled Herring nothing weird like that. Food, basically.
