Cross Lutheran Staff

Pastor John Brink

Pastor John was called to serve as Senior Pastor here at Cross in 2017 and brings a wide range of life experiences.  A native of Wisconsin, John traveled with his parents as missionaries to Africa, where he spent most of his formative school years.  Following graduation from high school, John joined the Air Force and spent the next 20 years serving on active duty.  His career took him to Loring AFB, Maine, Offutt AFB, Nebraska, and Naples, Italy.  Following retirement from the Air Force in 1998, he returned to Wisconsin.  In 2002, John discerned God’s call to rostered ministry and began his studies at Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, graduating in 2006.  Following ordination, John’s first call took him to Nebraska, where he would spend the next 11 years serving three different churches. 

Pastor John is married and has 7 children, 1 step-daughter, and 9 grandchildren.  His wife, Melody, is also an ELCA pastor, serving at Messiah Lutheran Church in Twin Lakes.  Living at home with John and Melody are Melody’s daughter Anya and their sons, Eli and Joshua.  Two of Pastor John’s grown children live in Wisconsin, one lives in Itally, and two are in the Air Force, stationed in Georgia and Oklahoma. 

Pastor John loves to run and has ran in many races ranging from a 5k to full marathons, including two Chicago Ragnar’s and the Disney World Dopey Challenge.  For quiet time, John enjoys reading books by his favorite authors - Ken Follett, Tom Clancy, and Clive Cussler. 

Office staff

Carol Fischer - Office Administrator

Bobbie Abel - Financial Director

Bob Remer - Custodian

Music leaders

Brian Plehn - Contemporary Worship Leader, Music Team Director, Joyful Voices Director

Brian joined the music staff in 2015.

Ginny Richards - Organist

Ginny has served Cross as organist for 50+ years.