• Erik was raised here in the Northwoods (in Spooner) by loving Christian parents as the youngest of three children. Sensing a call to help people, he studied Social Work at UW-Madison. As a student Erik served as a counselor at Arrowhead Bible Camp and found joy in walking alongside some of the youth of Maranatha in their spiritual journeys. After finishing college, Erik worked with adults who have developmental disabilities for five years. He felt an increasing desire to participate in God's work of transformation in people and decided to pursue training at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He completed an MDiv degree there in 2014. 


    God brought Kate into Erik's life halfway through his time in seminary and they were married in 2015. Kate grew up in the Cleveland, OH area as the oldest of seven children. She came to Trinity for an Intercultural Studies program and served as the Coordinator of International Students for seven years. Having lived as a single into his thirties, Erik still marvels at the favor God has given him through a wife as Godly, competent, and caring as Kate. Erik and Kate moved to Rice Lake in June of 2017 and are grateful for the way Maranatha has welcomed them. They have a son, Anders and  were delighted to have their second child, Aletheia, in April.  


    Erik gets excited about seeing transformation in people as they come to know God through his Word. He loves making Jesus known and welcoming outsiders into the church family. While not spending time with friends and family, you might find Erik outside enjoying the beauty of God's creation through hiking, camping, canoeing, hunting, or taking pictures.