Staff

John arrived in the Twin Cities in 2006 following 18 years of service as a pastor in Illinois. His primary responsibilities on staff at Crosstown  include: leadership, teaching, and caring. John takes unique joy in being part of a congregation that is extending itself to serve in the community as a tangible expression of Jesus’ grace and mercy. He has a heartfelt passion that the church exist to bless, encourage, and invite those who are not yet a part of it.  John’s training includes a degree from Taylor University (IN) as well as studies at Ashland Seminary (OH), North Park Seminary (IL), and Fuller Seminary (CA).  John is happily married to his beloved, Marna, and the couple have two adult children: Ben and Andrea (along with son-in-law Nathan).  He is also the proud Grandpa of two boys and a girl!

Polly is a native Minnesotan, although she spent the majority of her adult life in Chicago, where she studied Youth Ministry and Biblical & Theological Studies at North Park University.  In 2020 Polly was granted "Ministry License" by the Evangelical Covenant Church.  After living in Chicago for 10 years, her family and home state called her back.  Polly joined the Crosstown staff in January 2011 as the Director of Youth Ministry.  In March 2017 Polly’s positioned changed to the Director of Children & Family Ministries.  And again in 2020 her position changed to Pastor of Children & Outreach Ministries as she completed her Covenant Ordination.  In 2021 she was upgraded to Pastor of Children & Adult Ministries. She believes that young people who are passionately in love with Jesus Christ are some of Satan’s biggest threats in this world.  As Polly says, “I love being able to walk alongside students as they explore and discover who they are in Christ!" When Polly is not at church, she LOVES being with her awesome husband and 3 boys. 

Aaron has been a member at Crosstown since 2006. He has always shared his love of music by singing the choir, playing his trumpet, serving as the Worship Deacon, or directing the Bell Choir. He became the Interim Worship Director in 2021 and took over the part-time position officially in 2022. Aaron is also employed full-time at The University of Northwestern as a Custodial Building Manager. He loves baseball, cheering on his two sons, jigsaw puzzles, Star Wars, and working on his lawn.