Andrew Anderson

What's there to say? I'm a guy. A Husband. A Father. Eldest brother of six; three boys, three girls. A student of life and ministry. I like sports. I love to be with people. I enjoy the expression that is music. I have recently taken up running and have been re-introduced to "working out". I take pleasure in life. I am a Pastor, a communicator and an Evangelist. I am me...a child of God!

So, that's it. Isn't it?

Probably not.

If we are what we eat, then I'm a culmination of turkey sandwiches, caesar salads, peanut butter on bananas and Taco Del Mar. I am calories and cravings.

If we are what we read, I'm certain to be a blend of Erwin McManus, Andy Stanley, Jim Collins, Marcus Buckingham, Henry Cloud, John Maxwell, John Ortberg, Dan Kimball, Donald Miller, Sports magazines, and other authors that inspire, interest or intrigue me.

If we are what we do, I am a husband, father, speaker, communicator, evangelist, church planter, sometimes comedian and always on the move.

Simply put...I love living the life that God has given me! My desire is to live life to the fullest.

~Andrew Anderson

Favorite Book

The Bible, by God & In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day, by Mark Batterson

Favorite Candy Bar

Anything with peanut butter and chocolate (Butterfinger, 5th Avenue, etc)

Random Fact

I always flip my spoon upside down when eating ice cream

What 2 things would you most want on a deserted island

Bear Grylls & Panera Bread

Hobbies/Interests

I love spending time with my wife, Stacy and kids and just about anything having to do with sports

Favorite Sport

To watch - football; to play - wrestling or basketball

What I like to do with my free time

I like to play sports, play music, read, paint, hangout with friends, watch "Storage Wars" and spend time with my family

Dan Guarrero 

Born and raised in Chicago, I moved to SoCal when I was 17.  I consider myself to have had the best of both worlds; the culture of Chicago with the California way of life.  I spent better than 30 years in business, mostly sales management.  I have the privilege of being married to my best friend and together we have an amazing family which I am reminded of every time I see their smiles.  I love my dog, Chance, and enjoy meeting new people.
 
It's crazy to think that God pulled me away from a life I had become so familiar and comfortable with and called me into a life of vocational ministry.  Having said that, I can't imagine anything else in this world that I would rather be doing, nor can I imagine doing life and ministry without the amazing folks at Illumination Church.  I love doing life and ministry with Illumination Church.

Favorite Book

Green Egg's and Ham, Good To Great, and Beautiful Outlaw

Favorite Candy Bar

Almond Snickers

Random Fact

I am the epitome of health: work out all the time, love running, and could compete in Body Building competitions.  Oh, wait?!  Fact? Ummm...

What 2 things would you most want on a deserted island

I would probably have to go with a TV remote and unlimited Chinese food

Hobbies/Interests

Golf, playing with my kids, vacationing with my wife, balancing check books, and Polo shirts

Favorite Sport

To watch - hockey; to play - softball

What I like to do with my free time

What I like to do with my free time is read my Bible, play with kids, date night my wife, and eating

Amy L. Bergstrom

Born and raised in the suburbs of Minneapolis, Amy had a passion for volunteering and giving back to her church and community. After settling in the southern suburbs in the late 1990's, her and her husband, Michael, searched for years for a church. One summer, Amy, Michael, and some community friends decided to hold a back yard bible camp for the young kids in the community and it was life changing on many levels. After watching God move in a huge way, Amy felt a calling toward ministry and children but God had not yet revealed His plan. In 2009, after a few months of volunteering in Kids Ministry at a local church plant, Amy was asked to come on staff. Amy now serves as The Children's Pastor and feels blessed that God is using her in her community to make an eternal difference. Amy studied at The University of Minnesota and Concordia College-St. Paul in Organizational Management and Communication. She feels blessed to be married to the love of her life, Michael, for 19 years, and they share two amazing children, Nathan and Hannah.

Favorite Book

The Bible

Favorite Candy Bar

100 Grand

Random Fact

I once had to take 72 bites of a "hot dog" while filming a commercial. I did not eat another hot dog for 12 years.

What 2 things would you most want on a deserted island

My iphone...would I need anything else? Oh, maybe a charger...or a long life battery?

Hobbies/Interests

My life pretty much revolves around my precious family. When I am not working, I try to see my kids do what they do. My son, Nathan (15) plays soccer and basketball and I love his passion for sports and his competitive nature. My daughter Hannah, (12) is a competitive dancer and I am in awe of her enthusiasm, flexibility and contagious smile. I stay involved with their activities by managing Nathan's soccer team and Hannah's dance team, which can be a lot of work but I get great joy out of helping others stay organized.

 Favorite Sport

Whatever Nathan is playing...

What I like to do with my free time

In the summer, I love to sit on my deck with my husband Michael and catch up. Otherwise, anytime I can spend time with my family and friends is a blessing!

Jason Reynolds

Let's face it- to summarize any one person in a few sentences is impossible. The highlights you ask? Well, it all depends on the day. I may be at home hanging out with my family watching a movie. I may be out in the garage wrenching on an engine. If the weather is nice, you might see me on a relaxing motorcycle ride. Summertime = I'm fishing. Fall and winter = I'm hunting. Want to grab some hot wings and watch the game? I'll be there, too! If it gets my adrenaline pumping or brings a smile to my face, that's where you'll find me. Whether indoors or out, I simply love to experience God through living life.

My ministry calling is focused on young adults- more commonly referred to as "teenagers" (I know, just that word alone is enough to make some people shudder and cringe). They love to be crazy and have fun, but can also be serious when it's appropriate: A perfect fit for someone like me! Hanging out and sharing God's word with a bunch of silly teens is probably one of the best things ever... It makes me wonder why EVERYONE isn't a youth pastor!

I grew up in the Northern suburbs of Minneapolis and graduated from Champlin Park High School where I met my wife of 5 years, Krista. We live in Shakopee with our 1 year-old daughter and 2 dogs. I'm currently continuing my education at the Pacific Evangelical School of Ministry.

Want to know more? Just ask!

Favorite Book

The Man Called Cash or The Christian Atheist

Favorite Candy Bar

Heath

Random Fact

I learned how to ride bulls and have been on 4 of 'em. Yeah, like the real ones.

What 2 things would you most want on a deserted island

I hate this question. Usually you come up with some creative answer of "things" you'd like to have, then someone makes you feel like a jerk because you didn't answer "my family" or something sentimental like that. Since you didn't ask for people, and instead asked for things, I think I'm OK. So, I preface my answer with "other than my family" and then I say: fishing gear and a computer/iPad with internet connectivity.

Hobbies/Interests

Fishing, motorcycles, offroading (ATV and trucks), hunting, and anything to do with horsepower or firepower.

Favorite Sport

Rugby. Or rodeo.

What I like to do with my free time

Wouldn't this fall under "favorite sport?" In addition to those things, I also like to visit with friends, complete DIY projects around the house, play yard games.

Erik Kipp

Erik grew up in Minneapolis, MN and attended Crown College where he earned Bachelor's degrees in Christian Studies & Intercultural Studies. He has been on staff in different ministries ranging from Georgia to greater Cincinnati, to Minneapolis in full time roles and in church plants as unpaid staff for nearly 12 years. Erik & his wife Natalie have been part of the Illumination Church team from the outset and look forward with great anticipation to growing and developing a flourishing worship ministry that meets people in a real & relevant way that draws them closer to Christ in ways they never could have imagined.

Favorite Book

The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard

Favorite Candy Bar

Reese's Peanut butter cups-NO CONTEST!

Random Fact

Peanuts are one of the ingredients in dynamite.

What 2 things would you most want on a deserted island

If I were on a deserted island I would want a Bible and my wife.

Hobbies/Interests

Music, Sports, Movies, Video Games, etc

Favorite Sport

Football

What I like to do with my free time

Most of my free time is currently spent trying to decompress from everything else I have going on or trying to squeeze in some time with my wife.

Director of Connections - Mary Bayless 

I love my family and my church I have two beautiful daughters Samantha and Alexis and a granddaughter Gracie. I enjoy having in depth conversations about life with my kids and my friends. I enjoy reading and listening to music. I love learning and teaching. I find it fascinating to watch people go through the process of learning and applying those things to their life, particularly when it relates to God. I enjoy volunteering my time to make a difference in people’s lives. Outside of volunteering in my church I work with teen moms, domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters and animal rescue organizations.

Favorite Book

#1 The Bible, #2 whatever I just finished reading

Favorite Candy Bar

Kit Kat Bar

Random Fact

I can’t concentrate if there are dirty dishes in the sink.

What 2 things would you most want on a deserted island

My Bible and coffee

 
Hobbies/Interests

Listening to music and reading.

Favorite Sport

I don’t think I really like sports…

What I like to do with my free time

Hang out with my family or read.