Our Ministry Team
Luke Nelson, Pastor
My greatest passion in ministry is seeing the old, old story passed on to someone new. A Snapchat message from a youth shouting that he won trivia because of a Bible story taught in Church can bring me to tears. I delight when an adult member emulates the patriarchs and matriarchs in blessing the next generation. My soul sings when someone comes to know, deep in their soul, that the Creator of all things knows their whole life story and loves them just as they are or when the long arch of the universe bends, just a bit, towards justice.
Jerry Rubino, Director of Music
Jerry Rubino has been Director of Music at Spirit of Hope for nearly 30 years. Along with spiritual conviction, Jerry brings a tone of musical excellence and great enthusiasm to the musical offerings at Spirit of Hope. He is a conductor, pianist, singer, and coach regarded for his diverse musical interests, engaging artistry, and passionate enthusiasm for performing arts. Jerry founded and directs Voice 360, a vocal and instrumental ensemble that prioritizes the collaborative process of the singer/actor and dancer to present multi-disciplined performances of repertoire including early music, classical music, gospel, pop and jazz. His groups appear in diverse venues from Macy’s to Orchestra Hall. He is a music editor with Oxford University Press and the Hal Leonard Corporation, is the assistant conductor of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra Chorale and his workshops and music directing have taken him to Australia, Asia, Europe, Canada and throughout the United States. In Minneapolis, he has taught at Northwestern, Augsburg, Carleton College, and the MacPhail Center for Music. He has music-directed Swing at Chanhassen Dinner Theaters, the Nautilus Music Theater productions of Man of La Mancha, and Carousel at the Southern Theater.
Chad Green, Director of Youth Ministries
I am a Colorado native who has made a home in the Twin Cities with my wife, Sarah; daughter, Melody; and my trusty service dog, Taylor. I have a BA in music from Adams State College and a Master of Music in conducting from North Dakota State University. I was a K–12 music teacher for a few years, and had the privilege of serving as a youth and worship pastor for nearly 10 years. I love joining youth on their journeys as they find who they are in the world and in Christ. I’m a band nerd (yay, low brass!), my playlists are filled with hits from musicals as well as everything a capella, and I like to pretend I’m a grill master. I am so glad for the opportunity to lead our 6th–12th grade youth as we serve, worship, grow, and enjoy fellowship together. Join us—ALL are welcome
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