Nebraska Synod ELCA
The Rev. Scott Alan Johnson was born and raised on a family farm near Wakefield, NE. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Master of Divinity degree from Luther Seminary. Prior to being elected bishop of the Nebraska Synod in 2022, he served as pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Barrett, MN, as campus pastor of the University Lutheran Center at Iowa State University in Ames, IA, as pastor of St. Petri Lutheran Church in Story City, IA, and as Director of Campus Ministries at Midland University in Fremont, NE. Scott and his wife Kristin are the proud parents of two daughters, and they live in Fremont, NE.
Gretchen has many years of experience in both youth and justice ministry. Most recently she has served as the Program Director at Lutheranch in Tallapoosa, Georgia where she has partnered with organizations such as Inspirtus (Lutheran Services of Georgia) and congregations in the Southeastern Synod to provide diverse summer camp experiences for children and youth as well as year round programs, riding lessons and service and justice based youth trips. Prior to serving at Lutheranch, she served as the Summer Camp and Equine Director at the Calvin Center, a Presbyterian camp in Hampton, Georgia where she developed a therapeutic riding program that served a diverse population of youth and adults with developmental and physical disabilities. Gretchen served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Zambia, Africa and was a Spanish major in college. Gretchen has also worked in several program staff positions for Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries, both at Carol Joy Holling and Sullivan Hills. Gretchen loves meeting new people and hearing their stories and helping them share the gifts and talents God has given them. She is passionate about building community and helping everyone find their place in community as children of God. In her free time, she loves riding her horse Bo, cooking and reading mysteries.
Youth and Justice Ministries
Pastor Katie is a graduate from Trinity Lutheran Seminary and brings with her over 23 years of ministry experience, having served congregations in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Southern Indiana, Iowa, and most recently Northern Illinois. She lives bi-locationally with her husband Jamie and youngest daughter Trace. Jamie serves as pastor at First Lutheran Church in Monmouth, Illinois and Trace is anxiously awaiting a 2027 high school graduation. When not in Illinois, Pastor Katie lives in the charming community of Ponca, Nebraska where she takes advantage of hiking, herping and just being outdoors in general. Pastor Katie and Pastor Jamie also have two older young adult children. Heide is their oldest and she is in her second-year teaching Band, Choir, and General Music to middle and high school students for the Indian Creek School District in Illinois. Nate is their middle child, and he is in his fourth year studying at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. When not doing church work, Pastor Katie loves hiking, herping, camping, and just being outside in general. Pastor Katie is an avid animal lover, except for squirrels. Her menagerie in Illinois includes Niko the dog, Klutz and Clam Chowder who are cats, Captain Sparklez the Lion Head rabbit, Ember the Bearded Dragon, and Jerald her adorable Eastern Fox snake.
Small Town and Rural Congregations in designated clusters
Greg grew up in Southeast Nebraska, farming with his Dad for ten years before heading to seminary. Greg earned a Bachelors in Social Science at Peru State College and his Master of Divinity at Gettysburg. He served as a Licensed Lay Minister in the Disciples of Christ Church at the Peru Community Church, where he also was Campus Pastor for United Ministries in Higher Education. After seminary he served as Associate Pastor at St. Paul Lutheran, Grand Island, then Redeemer Lutheran Church, Hooper. His most current call was Messiah Lutheran, Ralston. Greg and his wife, Kim live in Omaha and have two sons, two daughters-in-law and three beautiful granddaughters.
Call Process, Mobility, and Congregational Care
Michele joined the Nebraska Synod in May 2016 as part-time admin support/receptionist. Prior to working at the Synod, she was a church secretary and an elementary school teacher. She has a BSBA from UNK and a teaching certificate from College of St. Mary’s. Michele enjoys spending time with her family, reading, genealogy, and yoga.
General Information, Office, Development
Stephanie Lusienski has served on synod staff since October 2008, and prior to that served for 5 years on the staff of her congregation, American Lutheran Church, Ashland. She and her husband, Jerry live in Ashland, and have 3 grown children. Her interests are reading, traveling, and gardening, or just about any activity that requires being outside. “I love meeting and talking with people throughout the Nebraska Synod. I am humbly honored to be a part of a faith tradition that serves others and welcomes everyone, no matter their faith, ethnicity, or gender.
Budget & Finance, Giving, and Global Mission
Deacon Timothy serves as the Director for Mission, Innovation and Stewardship. He has been a Deacon since 2016, serving on synod staff here in Nebraska since May 2016. He has previously served on staff and in leadership roles for congregations, nonprofits, startups, and another synod, in Minnesota and Washington. Areas of interest in ministry include: leadership and stewardship; mission and outreach; innovation and experimentation; vitality and transformation; generosity and gratitude; writing; and cultivating and sharing stories of ministry in action. Timothy is available to preach, lead worship (outside of the sacraments), workshops and discussions, and meet for conversation. He resides in Fontanelle with his wife, Rev. Allison Siburg (Salem Lutheran, Fontanelle) and their two daughters.
ELCA Churchwide Relations (including the DEM Network), Giving, Innovation, Leadership, Mission, Outreach, Stewardship, Synod Assembly Planning Team
Lisa has been a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bellevue, Nebraska, since 2009. Her career has included work in non-profit and healthcare settings, focusing on human services, specialty care, and disease prevention. She thrives in a role that combines passion and purpose. Her strengths include marketing, communication, process development, project management, and promoting the greater good. She loves spending time with her family, currently at school sports and band events, both as a spectator and volunteer. Time outdoors in awe of the gifts God has given us, and attending classes at the gym. She loves music, the arts, and spending time supporting fellowship activities at church.
Family closeness, traditions, and connection to our community are a priority for Lisa. As a new member of the Synod team, Lisa looks forward to connecting with others throughout the state in fellowship and in support of our congregations, communities, and globally.
Executive Assistant to the Bishop
Administrative Support
Amy previously served as Director of Faith Formation at Immanuel Lutheran in Bellevue, NE for 15 years. She worked with both youth and adults in many ways by helping lead Confirmation classes, Sr. High youth activities, yearly service trips, retreats, Bible studies, coordinating staff for Sunday school and Vacation Bible School, and organizing special cross generational events throughout the year. She has also served as Synod Day Director for the 2015 and 2018 ELCA Youth Gatherings as well as being on the planning teams for the Nebraska Synod Journey, LYON Assembly, and Middle School Gatherings. Amy and her husband, Joel, have three children, two in college and the youngest a junior in high school. They love attending their activities, especially marching band and dance competitions, throughout the school year. She is currently serving as the Band Booster President for Bellevue East High School. In her spare time she enjoys crafting, listening to podcasts, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.
Mobility, Lay Ministry, and Roster Management