What's the latest buzz on our Board of Directors?
God is blessing Northgate with a couple of exciting changes and we're celebrating a transition!
First, we're tipping our caps to Tim Detlaff, who, after almost a decade of service on our board, will be opening his seat to pursue more time with his wife, Linda, in their part-time Florida home, see their grandkids, and open up to other ministry passions.
We did a quick Q & A with him this week and here’s some of what he had to say about his time in Minnesota and on the board:
Q. For those who haven't met you, share a little bit about your family.
A. Linda and I have been enjoying time with our family and grandkids at the lake in Big Lake. Our younger daughter is currently working and living in Thailand (enjoying staying clear of winter weather). Linda and I are destined for the south as well trying to tuck away from the Minnesota cold.
Q. And what kind of hobbies do you guys have? What do you do when you aren't meeting with the board?
A. Linda and I enjoy our vacation time in Dominican or Jamaica each year along with occasional European getaways. Looking forward to our vacation to Europe this fall with the family.
Q. How did you first hear about Northgate and how long have you been here?
A. We started attending Northgate before the current facility was built - having moved from Canada , we were searching for a biblically based church. We were searching for many months and walked into a Sunday service at PACT school and never looked back.
Q. What teams have you been serving on?
A.
I'm happy to have served on the board for a number of years with such a great team of leaders, but Linda and I also enjoyed working alongside the First Impressions team for several seasons as well.
Q. How has Northgate had an impact on you?
A. The weekly messages have been so meaningful to us as they are always biblically based and help strengthen our spiritual journey.
Q. Any fun stories to share?
A. I recall my first visit to Northgate, we sat in the PACT gym and heard a great teacher deliver a wonderful message. Both Linda and I found the message very relevant until Pastor Steve started hurling friendly insults about Canadians raiding America with their hockey sticks. As a Canadian hockey player this moved me to action resulting in me sending a note back to Pastor Steve which then led to a wonderful meeting. As I reflect on that initial meeting, I was pleased to learn about the vision and purpose of Northgate - and the rest is history. After all these years at Northgate, I have yet to hear a remorseful word back about the friendly prodding - just saying.
Tim’s departure isn’t the only shift on our board—we also welcome Evan Friese (pictured far left below) as he joins this group of dedicated leaders.
To give you a brief introduction, we asked him a few questions as well. Here’s what he shared:
Q. You have a beautiful family! Tell us a little bit about who's in this picture.
A. I'm married to Jenni, who is a 5th grade teacher, and we have 5 kids. Jaide works for horse trainer in Ohio, Max is an engineer in Boston, Ava and Cole are college students, and Aleese is in 5th grade.
Q. For those who don't know you, share some of your interests.
A. I LOVE coffee and willing to try almost any food. But the best is good quality fish -- the wild caught ocean kind, not the Minnesota-lake kind.
We really like to travel whenever we can. The Pacific Northwest is awesome. We had great trip to Boston/Rhode Island last summer. Fishing in Alaska (Kenai) this summer with my son and his friend from medical school. Jenni and I love this all inclusive spot in Key Largo where we just park ourselves next to ocean/pool and read all day long. And I do like to read...25-40 books a year, with varying subjects and authors.
I also enjoy watching football (go Vikings!) and hockey (go Wild!).
Q. How did you first hear about Northgate and how long have you been here?
A. I started attending when our church was still meeting under the basketball hoops in PACT Charter school, because it was so close to home. So I've been at NG about 10 years!
Q. In what ways (or on what teams) do you/have you serve(d) at Northgate?
I started serving First Impressions regularly about 10 years ago which is how I came to know many of the great people in our church. I've also been a leader in our youth/middle school ministry, Due North, for 4 years.
Q. How has Northgate had an impact on you?
A. NG and it’s people were my lifeline 10 years ago when I was separated and later divorced. The mentoring from pastors, friendships through serving and prayers of NG community sustained me through some really challenging years. NG is also where I met and really came to know my wife - a woman who loves Jesus and is the most kind, patient and genuine person I know.
Q. What are you most excited about with this board position or what God is doing in our community?
A. I feel honored to get to serve with an amazing group of leaders and am excited to share in the vision and mission of our Church. NG is a beacon of light in a dark world and the love we have touches our community. And there are so many more in our community that need Jesus - our challenge is to meet them and introduce them to the hope we share because of our Savior. Also feel honored and excited (and a nervous responsibility) to support our pastor with daily prayer.
Q. Anything else you want to share about yourself or your experience at Northgate?
A. This church and its people loved me through the most difficult season of my life. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the mentoring, teaching, prayers and love from this community of dedicated Christ followers.
We’re overwhelmed by the amazing leaders that keep emerging in our midst, and all for God's glory.
Pray blessings on our board of directors and bless these guys in their next endeavors!