Staff

Pastor

Kris Gorden

Pastor Kris Gorden came to Olivet in 1998, and was called to be Olivet’s Senior Pastor in January, 2017. Kris is excited to participate in God’s mission at Olivet. The greatest part of his calling is interacting with all ages and all different life situations. He sits on the Worship and Witness commission, as well as the Resource and Development commission. Kris and his wife Jill have two adult children. He enjoys fishing, hunting, the outdoors, guitar, drums, and mostly, spending time with family and friends.

Pastor

Bill Boelter

bboelter@olivet.org

Bill Boelter was called to Olivet to focus on the 50+ age group. Hosts Friday Fellowship the first Friday of every month, Men’s Morning Musings the 2nd and 4th Saturdays, leads a Bible study every Thursday morning at 10:30 and leads worship services at many retirement centers in the area. Works with 9th grade confirmation. Leads trips during the summer and fall to various entertainment venues. Is married to Jeanette, who takes most of the pictures you see at Olivet. Has three children and six grandchildren. Enjoys music, reading and spending time with grandkids.

Pastor

Tiffany Sundeen

tsundeen@olivet.org

My name is Tiffany Jeske Sundeen and I serve as one of the pastors at Olivet. I married Batman (a.k.a. Bruce Wayne Sundeen) the same month I started at Olivet and it’s been an adventure ever since! I became a stepmom at the same time to Jacob and we also have two daughters, Rachel and Abby. The Gospel embodied in preaching, teaching, travel, peace, justice and prayer give me life…along with a strong cup of “church” coffee! My call deepens as I help people make connections between loving God and loving neighbor. I look forward to seeing you at Olivet! Blessings on your day.

Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministries

Michelle Elness

melness@olivet.org

Working with all ages of children is a passion of Michelle's. She has 3 children of her own. She and her husband, Bob, and enjoy spending any time they can with their kids and being at the lake with family. Michelle feels so fortunate to do what she loves and partner with parents in teaching God’s Love for all.

Associate Youth Director

Tyler Wright

twright@olivet.org

Tyler has worked in Youth Ministry since 2013 and joined Olivet in 2019. As an Associate Director of Youth Ministry, Tyler leads Olivet’s youth programming for grades 6-12. He leads annual trips with the youth, including the triennial ELCA National Youth Gathering with 30,000 other youth. Tyler also coordinates confirmation and leads youth programming like SNL, journey, hangtime, among others. His mission is to be an inviting presence to the youth to share in faith, while being safe, loving, fun, and all-inclusive. He is married to Diana, whom he met while working at Luther Crest Bible Camp. Soon after marriage they got their Aussie doodle dog, named Hyzer (a nod to disc golf, one of Tyler’s passions outside of youth ministry).

Director of Music

Marlys Herring

marlysherr@aol.com

Director of Music: organist, director of handbells, adult choir, coordinator of all organized music groups, instrument maintenance, worship planning. A lifelong native to SE North Dakota has four grown children and enjoys yard work and garden.