STAFF

JEFF SMITH
Lead Pastor

ABOUT ME

I was born and raised in west Texas. I’m a husband to Amanda, father to 4 kids (Graham, Eloise, Rosalie, and Caris). I’ve been in pastoral ministry since 2014 and was in the corporate world before that.

I’m a movie junkie (particularly action and superhero movies), a board-gamer and a lover of Texas Tech athletics. When I’m not at church you can find me hanging out with my family, exploring new restaurants, or drinking too much coffee. 

MY ROLE

I’m the Lead Pastor of Gateway which means I provide spiritual and organizational leadership to the church, it’s governing board, and it’s staff. I’m also the primary preacher and teacher. 

My passion is that people might know God and thrive in him. I love people being connected, growing in relationship with God and with one another.

FUN FACTS

MOST UNUSUAL ITEM IN MY OFFICE: busted water pipes from Wisconsin.

FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Texas Tech Men’s Basketball

PETS: Golden Retriever (Esme) and cat (Cookie)

SOMETHING NO ONE WOULD GUESS ABOUT ME: I have two different colored eyes.

SONG I HAVE ON REPEAT: Way Maker by Leeland

CONTACT

JULIE OLSON
Office Manager

ABOUT ME

Donovan and I have been married for over 35 years. We live on a 7 acre hobby farm with a variety of critters and we are loving it! We have three amazing sons; Sam, Isaac & Jesse, three beautiful daughter-in-laws; Alicia, Kirstie & soon to be Kiersten, and four grandsons with another grand-baby on the way. I LOVE my family! I also enjoy hiking, biking, camping, quilting, reading and spending time with my family. On the side, I teach piano lessons and partner with my self- employed husband.

MY ROLE

I love my role at Gateway serving and supporting Pastor Jeff, the staff, ministry leaders and our church family.

FUN FACTS

I lived in 7 states before coming to Minnesota as a teen, attended Oral Roberts University, was involved in short term mission’s trips to 9 different countries and have traveled the U.S. with my husband when we were first married as over the road truckers. My husband, Donovan, has also taught me how to drive a D8 cat, road grader, various farm tractors, skid steer and semi-trucks.

CONTACT

LYNN ESTENSEN
Worship Coordonator

EMAIL ME!

KATIE UTTKE
Children’s Ministry Coordinator

ABOUT ME

My husband Chris and I married in 2010. We have been blessed with two beautiful children, MaKayla and Willow. We love our dogs and the outdoors. If we are not hanging out with our friends and family, you could find us in the woods hiking, foraging, and enjoying nature in every way.

MY ROLE

I have the best role! I help and support volunteers teach the truth about God to our children. We provide a safe, fun, Christ centered learning environment that supports each child’s individual walk with Jesus. I also like to throw in some games, activities, and crafts during our time together.

FUN FACTS

I love playing basketball and I am secretly the most competitive person while playing. I also have a twin sister and we love to play tricks on others to see if they know who is who.

CONTACT

KARIN DOW
Compassion Coordinator

EMAIL ME!

COLIN ANDERSON
Visual Media Specialist

ABOUT ME

I’ve lived in Minnesota my entire life (and I still hate the snow). I enjoy watching the sun set and going for long walks on the beach…just kidding! When I’m not at the movie theater watching the latest Marvel movie, I’m eating a McDonald’s cheeseburger, or listening to a tech podcast.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had an interest in technology. Whether it’s making a video, programming a computer, or designing a logo, I love everything about it! I guess that makes me a nerd, but I’m ok with that. 🙂

MY ROLE

I produce content (videos, graphics, etc.) for both Sunday services and the web. In addition, I manage the visual department of our audio/visual ministry.

FUN FACTS

MY FAVORITE TYPE OF MUSIC: all of them!!

MY FAVORITE MOVIE QUOTE: “Your mom goes to college” -Kip Dynamite (from Napoleon Dynamite)

MY FAVORITE MOVIE: There are lots, but “Inception” has to be my favorite right now.

MY TYPICAL LUNCH: Everyday I have a sandwich, chips, and an apple.


CONTACT