Pastor Mike Golay

Shakopee Campus Pastor

     952-567-6465

Pastor Mike is married to Sharon and they have three children. He is one of our "home grown students" having been active in our Student Ministry during high school. After spending years on the mission field, he accepted the call to come back to be campus pastor of Friendship's Shakopee location when it opened in 2003. Pastor Mike graduated from Bethel Seminary.

Do you have a hobby you really enjoy?

I enjoy the European sports car genre. Although I don't have much knowledge of how to work on the newer cars, it is fun to be able to tweak, detail, and drive my vintage VW Scirocco.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?

Israel - Since I lived there before and my wife's family is there. I know the culture, language, and I'm comfortable in that society. I also love the land with all the nature reserves, and enjoy the opportunity to show the land to tourists.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?

I would love to go back to the First Century and witness the life of Christ. What did He look like? What were His favorite foods? What would it be like to hear His teachings and witness the miracles that He performed?

If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?

If I could get a front row seat at the Garden Tomb and see how Jesus resurrected, that would be epic! Besides that, I think it would be very cool to go back to when God created the world and witness everything forming.

What is one of your favorite quotes?

"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do." - Helen Keller

Your biggest challenge?

It was leading through a difficult time in our church during 2005-2008. It was an overwhelming challenge, but it shaped and molded me in so many ways. God showed up many times and reminded us of His love and commitment to Friendship Church. It was an education on all levels that can't be rivaled in any seminary!

What do you think makes a good leader?

Dynamic determination, intellectual flexibility, character, emotional maturity, and collaborative drive.

What do you like most about Friendship Church?

The spirit of generosity and volunteerism. I've been to many churches and organizations and I've never seen anything like it. I see a congregation willing to give Time, Talent, Treasure, and Touch. Very inspiring.

Sam Dahl

Youth Ministries Associate

  952-447-0541

Sam is our Youth Ministry Associate. He started at Friendship as an intern in 2013 and since that time has been hired on as full time staff.

What book would you recommend and why?

Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer. It's a short book on the attributes of God that is sure to expand your view of God.

If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?

I would have loved to walk with Jesus on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24).

What is one of your favorite quotes?

"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." - A.W. Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy

Your idea of a perfect day?

I would sleep in, do devotions outside by a still quiet lake, then meet up with friends and do something active, like sports, hiking or boating. After that I would have a bonfire as the sun set, and finish the night with a movie (or watching the Packers win the Super Bowl).

Besides Jesus, who is your favorite person in the Bible and why?

Gideon, I can relate to his doubts about if God can use him, and then to see God do awesome things through him and make a mighty warrior out of him.

What do you think makes a good leader?

The right combination of confidence and humility, with wisdom that comes through reading the Word, and a heart after God that is seen in a dependence on prayer.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse, chapter or book?

Philippians 4:6-7, God used this verse in my life to lead me out of a life that was controlled by anxiety.

What do you like most about Friendship Church?

The family-like bond that is found among those who attend here, and the heart of the volunteer leaders in the youth ministry. They love the Lord and love the students in such a beautiful way!

Art Hansen

Life Groups Pastor

  952-447-0542

Pastor Art is married to Barb (they met while counselors at a church camp) and have two adult children. Art graduated from Valley Baptist Theological Seminary and joined the Friendship staff in 2011.

What is your favorite movie and why?

A&E Collector's Edition of C. S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower  starring Ioan Gruffudd is my favorite movie series (eight movies). The presentation of how Hornblower grows into maturity (courage, honesty, morality, integrity, and respect for both his superiors and subordinates) is inspirational.

What book would you recommend and why?

The books that have influenced me the most in my Christian life (besides the Bible):
True Spirituality  by Francis Schaeffer
Mark of the Christian  by Francis Schaeffer
Victory Over the Darkness  by Neil Anderson
TrueFaced  by Bill Thrall, Bruce McNicol, and John Lynch
Mere Christianity  by C. S. Lewis
Lord Change Me  (previously titled, I Really Want to Change. . . So Help Me, God) by James MacDonald

Do you have a hobby you really enjoy?

My grandmother used to say "I was born to play baseball." My favorite teams are the Minnesota Twins and the St. Louis Cardinals. Also, I started playing golf to minister to a man who was going through a difficult time. He mentioned that I had a natural swing. But, I spend the most time reading. It allows me to learn new things, travel all over the planet and beyond, and to visit places and events in the past.

What is one of your favorite quotes?

"True spirituality is a continuing moment-by-moment proper relationship to the God who exists." - Francis Schaeffer, The God Who is There

If money were no object, where would you take your next vacation?

I would like to visit Norway (the land of my ancestors) and take the cruises that visit Norwegian fjords and the midnight sun.

Besides Jesus, who is your favorite person in the Bible and why?

I admire Jeremiah. "Throughout his life, Jeremiah boldly confronted his people and their leaders with their sins and pleaded with them to repent and return to the Lord. Tragically, however, the people who most needed his leadership rejected him and turned their backs on God's Word." Quoted from NLT The Transformation Study Bible.

What do you like most about Friendship Church?

The name of the church says it all. From the first time we visited the church, the friendliness of the people and pastors was evident in all that they do for each other.

Lori McComick

Connections and Women’s Ministry Director

  952-447-0526

Lori is married to Denny and they have three grown children and two grandchildren. They started attending Friendship in 2003 and Lori came on staff a year later.

What book would you recommend and why?

Victory Over the Darkness by Neil Anderson. It is a great equipping book for the spiritual battle we are in.

If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?

Seeing Jesus resurrected.

What is one of your favorite quotes?

Small things done with consistency yield great results over time.

What are you passionate about?

Seeing people come to faith and then growing as a disciple of Christ.

What do you miss most about being a kid?

Being on the farm.

Besides Jesus, who is your favorite person in the Bible and why?

Paul - his radical transformation gives me hope for many people. His staying the course during trials and adversity inspires me.

Jessica Hazzard

Community Sections Admin

  952-447-0550

Lori McComick

Connections and Women’s Ministry Director

  952-447-0526

Lori is married to Denny and they have three grown children and two grandchildren. They started attending Friendship in 2003 and Lori came on staff a year later.

What book would you recommend and why?

Victory Over the Darkness by Neil Anderson. It is a great equipping book for the spiritual battle we are in.

If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?

Seeing Jesus resurrected.

What is one of your favorite quotes?

Small things done with consistency yield great results over time.

What are you passionate about?

Seeing people come to faith and then growing as a disciple of Christ.

What do you miss most about being a kid?

Being on the farm.

Besides Jesus, who is your favorite person in the Bible and why?

Paul - his radical transformation gives me hope for many people. His staying the course during trials and adversity inspires me.

Pastor Ron Brist

Family and Care Ministries Pastor

  952-447-0532

Pastor Ron is married to Debbie and they have two adult children, both married, and one grandchild. He graduated from Pillsbury Baptist Bible College and more recently from Liberty Seminary. He joined the Friendship staff in 2009.

What is your fondest memory?

There's three: My wedding day and the births of both of my children.

What is your favorite movie and why?

Rocky, Passion, Sound of Music, Lord of the Rings trilogy or anything by Clint Eastwood or Harrison Ford.

If you could have lunch with a famous person, who would it be and why?

Billy Graham - I would like to talk to him about his conversations with six presidents and the crusades.

Do you have a hobby you really enjoy?

Biking, hiking and being on a boat enjoying the nature that God created.

If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?

Completion of the city of Jerusalem and the Synagogue.

What is one of your favorite quotes?

"I am gradually learning that the call to gratitude asks us to say, "Everything is grace." As long as we remain resentful about things we wish had not happened, about relationships that we wish had turned out differently, mistakes we wish we had not made, part of our heart remains isolated, unable to bear fruit in the new life ahead of us. It is a way we hold part of ourselves apart from God." - Henri Nouwen

If money were no object, where would you take your next vacation?

Holy Land and then Ireland.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse, chapter or book?

Ephesians 6:19

Mark Alewine

Worship / Arts Ministry Director

  952-447-0566

Pastor Mark is married to Cindy and they have two adult children, both married, and four grandchildren. He graduated from Bethany College of Missions and has joined the Friendship staff twice: first in 1997 and more recently in 2013.

What is your fondest memory?

When my girlfriend, Cindy, said yes to marrying a longhaired musician like me. Sweet day! My life is SO much better with her in it!

What is your favorite movie and why?

War Room. This movie really lays out the importance (and excitement) of faithful, fervent prayer. Incredible movie with incredible acting. Love it!

What book would you recommend and why?

Worship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of God by Bob Kauflin. This book talks about worship as a lifestyle, not something we only do on Sundays. This book has changed my life in this area.

Do you have a hobby you really enjoy?

Golf, golf, golf and more golf.

What's the best/worst gift you've ever given/received?

Best - My wife took a few golf lessons to prepare and then we went out to play on my birthday. It really was fun and very special. However, she did not enjoy it enough to play anymore, but that day was fun!

Worst - A CD of a really bad local band (no name to be inserted). That person will be getting that CD back one day soon (you know who you are).

If money were no object, where would you take your next vacation?

Banff, Canada. I've never been there, but the mountains really speak to me and I have seen pictures and heard from others about this incredible place. One day…

What are you passionate about?

Worship taking over my life. Worship is from the heart and I want it to consume me. I want my responses to others to reflect what is going on in my life. I don't want to be someone who just "worships" when we are together. I want it to be continuous. I'm not there yet, but I'm working on it.

What do you like most about Friendship Church?

The people of Friendship are loving, forgiving people who chase after God's heart. We don't pretend to be something we are not. I love the gentle honesty of this church. I am so happy to be here!

Pastor Ron Brist

Family and Care Ministries Pastor

  952-447-0532

Pastor Ron is married to Debbie and they have two adult children, both married, and one grandchild. He graduated from Pillsbury Baptist Bible College and more recently from Liberty Seminary. He joined the Friendship staff in 2009.

What is your fondest memory?

There's three: My wedding day and the births of both of my children.

What is your favorite movie and why?

Rocky, Passion, Sound of Music, Lord of the Rings trilogy or anything by Clint Eastwood or Harrison Ford.

If you could have lunch with a famous person, who would it be and why?

Billy Graham - I would like to talk to him about his conversations with six presidents and the crusades.

Do you have a hobby you really enjoy?

Biking, hiking and being on a boat enjoying the nature that God created.

If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?

Completion of the city of Jerusalem and the Synagogue.

What is one of your favorite quotes?

"I am gradually learning that the call to gratitude asks us to say, "Everything is grace." As long as we remain resentful about things we wish had not happened, about relationships that we wish had turned out differently, mistakes we wish we had not made, part of our heart remains isolated, unable to bear fruit in the new life ahead of us. It is a way we hold part of ourselves apart from God." - Henri Nouwen

If money were no object, where would you take your next vacation?

Holy Land and then Ireland.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse, chapter or book?

Ephesians 6:19

Pastor Ron Brist

Family and Care Ministries Pastor

  952-447-0532

Pastor Ron is married to Debbie and they have two adult children, both married, and one grandchild. He graduated from Pillsbury Baptist Bible College and more recently from Liberty Seminary. He joined the Friendship staff in 2009.

What is your fondest memory?

There's three: My wedding day and the births of both of my children.

What is your favorite movie and why?

Rocky, Passion, Sound of Music, Lord of the Rings trilogy or anything by Clint Eastwood or Harrison Ford.

If you could have lunch with a famous person, who would it be and why?

Billy Graham - I would like to talk to him about his conversations with six presidents and the crusades.

Do you have a hobby you really enjoy?

Biking, hiking and being on a boat enjoying the nature that God created.

If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?

Completion of the city of Jerusalem and the Synagogue.

What is one of your favorite quotes?

"I am gradually learning that the call to gratitude asks us to say, "Everything is grace." As long as we remain resentful about things we wish had not happened, about relationships that we wish had turned out differently, mistakes we wish we had not made, part of our heart remains isolated, unable to bear fruit in the new life ahead of us. It is a way we hold part of ourselves apart from God." - Henri Nouwen

If money were no object, where would you take your next vacation?

Holy Land and then Ireland.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse, chapter or book?

Ephesians 6:19