CRAIG HOFER – Lead Pastor
Pastor Craig Hofer grew up in Huron, SD, and met his wife, Daralyn, a Detroit-area “Michigander,” at Crown College (MN) where they were both students. Craig is also an alumnus of Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL. He worked in business management for eight years, and has served in pastoral ministry for over twenty-five years–previously in Minnesota and Florida. Craig and Daralyn have four adult children and three grandchildren. They enjoy riding their cruiser motorcycle, a weekly movie or so, and above all, good conversations with friends. They are passionate about pursuing delight in Jesus Christ in all of life and encouraging others to join in that magnificent journey.
CHRIS KRINGEN – Director of Connections and Communications Ministries
Chris grew up in Dell Rapids, SD, went to college in Estherville and Cedar Falls, IA. and has a graduate degree from Crown College (MN). He and his wife Betsy, have three children Jacob, Madelyn, and Joshua. Over the years Chris has been privileged to assist in leading worship and small groups at several churches in the area. He has spiritual gifts of mercy, intercession and (?) harmonica.
VISION TEAM/GOVERNING BOARD
Mercy Church is governed by the Vision Team–a board comprised of the pastor and six elected covenant partners.
SAMUEL GETACHEW
Pastor Samuel is originally from Ethiopia and is the founding pastor of Gospel of Mercy Church (Amharic-speaking congregation). His ministry focuses on first- and second-generation immigrants from the Amharic-speaking world, and on multicultural bridge-building. He is a full-time chaplain at Avera Hospital. Samuel has a Master of Divinity degree from Sioux Falls Seminary and is ordained by the Christian & Missionary Alliance. Samuel and his wife Azeb have three children.