Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Staff

Pastor John E. Hosmann has been the Senior Pastor of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd since 1986. His ministry as an ordained pastor began in 1972 following his graduation from Luther Theological Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota. Prior to serving Good Shepherd of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, he served congregations in Milwaukee and Plover, Wisconsin. Pastor John and his wife, Carol have three grown children and three grandchildren. "Bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ into all the world is what our church is all about," says Pastor John. "We are here to 'make Christ known' through our preaching, our teaching, our serving, and our sharing. We extend to all who love the Lord an invitation to join us in our life and mission together as a community in Christ.

Pastor Paul D. L. Oppedahl began his ministry as an Associate Pastor at Good Shepherd in October of 1998. He is a graduate of St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota and Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota. Prior to serving at Good Shepherd, he served in a number interim ministry positions, guiding congregations as they worked through issues related to congregational life and mission in a time of pastoral transition. Pastor Paul is married to Pastor Natalie Leske who serves as Pastor of Modena Lutheran Church, Modena. They have two children, Jonah, born in April of 2001, and Madeline, born in January of 2003. Pastor Paul has a deep love for the church and would emphasize that the weekly gathering each Sunday around Word and Sacrament is the highlight of the week and also at the very heart of what the church is all about.

Shelly Christopherson has been on the staff at Good Shepherd since June, 1993. She is employed full-time as Good Shepherd's Youth and Education Director. As a student at University of Wisconsin - River Falls, she earned a Bachelors Degree in Education and is certified to teach at the Middle School and High School levels. Shelly was a Bible Camp counselor at Luther Point and Luther Park Bible Camp for a total of six summers. Shelly, her husband, Dean and their children, Samuel and Kayla, live on the north side of Eau Claire with their dog Odie and cat Lugie.

Kevin Nelson serves as Good Shepherd's custodian. He has been on staff since the spring of 2003. He grew up in Minong, WI, enjoys his daughter Kaylee, woodworking, and four-wheeling. He is a terrific asset to our ministry.