Rev. Dean C. Hess
Senior Pastor

Pastor Hess came to Zion in 1989.  He began his ministry at Zion by working with a leadership team to identify a vision, mission, set of core values and a strategic plan.  Under his leadership, Zion, once called the "sleeping giant", has awakened.  Zion is now one of the 100 largest congregations in the ELCA.  Over 10% of the population of Clear Lake worships at Zion on an average weekend.  Pastor Hess is an innovative leader with a strong passion for biblical community and effective mission.

He has served in fire fighting and emergency medical services for over 36 years and is currently Captain of the Clear Lake Fire Department.  He enjoys reading, bike riding, kayaking, and photography. He is married with two grown children.

Spiritual Gifts

   Major: Administration, Wisdom, Leadership,
              Teaching, Faith

   Minor: Evangelism, Discernment, Encouragement    

Rev. Derik C. Yarian
Pastor

Director of
Education Ministries

Pastor Yarian  came to the Zion staff in 2002.  His passions include the "priesthood of all believers", technology, worship, and evangelism in daily living by equipping and empowering all Christians.  Derik, among other things, has brought leadership to Zion’s adult education and confirmation ministries. 

He is a fire fighter on the Clear Lake Fire Department and an avid pilot (aviation).  He also plays the guitar, loves Chinese food, enjoys camping, hiking, photography and spending time with and his wife and two boys.

Spiritual Gifts

   Major: Admininstrarion, Leadership, Wisdom

   Minor: Creative Communication, Faith, Evangelism

Alan Berge

Director of
Community Ministries

Mark Harthan

Director of
Worship Ministries

After serving many years on Zion's worship teams and specialty choirs Mark joined the staff in 2007.  Mark brings abundant musical skills and a genuine appreciation and commitment to both contemporary non-liturgical worship and traditional liturgical worship.

Spiritual Gifts

  Major: Leadership, Faith

  Minor: Administration, Helps    

Dave Delperdang

Director of
Communications

Dave brings a diverse set of skills to Zion ranging from the mechanical to technical to artistic.  His cooperative and cheerful spirit is enjoyed by staff and partners alike. 

Spiritual Gifts

   Major:  Helps, Creative Communication

   Minor: Mercy, Encouragment    

Gaye Scott

Director of
Specialized Ministries

Gaye has been serving Zion longer than any other staff member.  Her role has envolved and developed as her spiritual gifts have become better recognized.  She brings a deep faith and commitment to ministry.  She sometimes teaches at worship services.

Spiritual Gifts

   Major: Teaching, Faith, Prophecy 

    Minor: Discernment, Mercy

Mark Holck

Director of
Childrens Ministries

Kristen Seehusen

Director of
Youth Ministries

Kristen brings a passion for youth, and the ability to relate to and nurture faith in young people.  She offers a personal and creative approach to youth ministry.

Spiritual Gifts

   Major: Faith, Mercy, Intercession

   Minor: Encouragement, Shepherding 

 Director of
Benevolent Ministries

Lila Midtgaard

Finance & Records
Manager

Lila brings a deep faith combined with business and accounting skills.  She is a cheerful person who is easy to work with and yet has a close attention to detail.

Spiritual Gifts

   Major: Administration, Helps

   Minor: Faith, Mercy 

 Joanne Miller

Director of
Support Ministries

Joanne brings to Zion a commitment to mission and ministry combined with wisdom and discernment.  She is a terrific listener and "mother confessor" for the staff.  Her encouragement and faith are inspiring.

Spiritual Gifts

   Major: Discernment, Helps, Wisdom

   Minor: Administration, Shepherding

 Ron and Dolores Rosenbaum

Sextons

Spiritual Gifts 

   Major: Craftsmanship, Mercy, Teaching, Faith

 Ellen Nelson

Lay Visitor

Ellen’s passion is prayer.  Each day she prays for Zion and 3 other congregations, our staff and her family.  For some time she has felt the urge to be serving more at Zion and is very open and excited about the visitation ministry of Zion which she joined in 2008.  Ellen is married to Bert and between the two of them, they have 4 grown children, 10 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.