Mark Nienow- Senior Pastor

(Andreia, Caleb, Mark, and Luke)

Pastor Mark Nienow first began attending True Life Church in 2001 and served as a volunteer youth ministry leader with his wife, Andreia. He joined the staff at True Life following graduation from Lutheran Brethren Seminary in Fergus Falls, Minnesota in 2007. Pastor Mark is a native of southeastern Minnesota, and a 1995 graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. In addition, he completed Tentmakers youth ministry training in 1995. His previous ministry work spanned six years, beginning as the Youth Director and then working as the Director of Discipleship Training at a suburban Chicago church. Mark and Andreia have two sons, Luke and Caleb.  He enjoys almost anything connected to cars, football, and family. 

Mark Johannesen- Associate Pastor

(Mark, Ella, and Wendy)

Pastor Mark, Wendy and Ella have been a part of True Life Church since 2018. Since 1998, Pastor Mark has had the privilege of serving at five other Lutheran Brethren churches in roles ranging from youth pastor to associate pastor to solo pastor. Mark is passionate about teaching and preaching God’s word, working with teenagers, and encouraging people to use the gifts that God has given them to reach this world for Jesus.  Mark is a strong supporter of international missions and that includes his being a part of the Borderless Mexico Mission Trips leadership team.

Mark grew up in New Jersey and New York but despite that is a huge Twins and Viking fan. In 1998, Mark graduated from Northwestern College in St Paul with a degree in youth ministries and during his senior year, he began serving on staff at a Lutheran Brethren church in Eagan, MN.

While serving in Eagan, Mark continued his education by completing a course of studies at Bethel Seminary. Then in 2004, Mark graduated from the Lutheran Brethren Seminary, and shortly after, he met Wendy, and they were married in 2005. 

Mark enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, playing and watching sports, fantasy sports, wood working, 80’s rock music, worship music, gardening, and much more.

Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.

Becca Carlson- Director of Worship and Children’s Ministry

(Becca and Ben)

Becca is from Rochester and has attended True Life Church most of her life. She is excited to be on staff as a part-time hybrid Worship and Children’s Ministry Director. Becca attended RCTC in high school through PSEO, and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Minnesota State University Moorhead, in the Spring of 2021. She is currently a Licenced Social Worker in the State of Minnesota. Becca has been a worship leader at True Life Church since 2017, and loves leading the congregation in worship. Becca and Ben recently moved back to Rochester after both attending college in the Fargo/Moorhead area. They look forward to becoming more involved in the church.

She enjoys both listening to and playing all kinds of music. She sings, and plays guitar and piano. She loves cooking, baking, and eating ice cream.

“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15