Staff

All ISM staff have significant experience in children, youth and family ministry. We share a common goal, which is to use our gifts of ministry by serving side by side with congregations who are navigating  for the future. This may include staff changes, restructuring or just trying to figure out the best way to nurture the faith.  We love these moments and are excited to set sail on this journey with faith communities! 

Our staff continually seeks out opportunities for continuing education in areas of interim ministry, faith formation, systems theory, leadership and more. This creates a unique background of gifts and skills in each ISM staff. We will work with your goals to find the best candidates!

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Kris Bjorke, Director

Kris has been active in youth ministry since 1989. She has served in congregational youth ministry and has worked for Youth Leadership at Luther Seminary. Her education includes a B.A. in Youth and Family Ministry and a Masters from Luther Seminary in St. Paul. Kris is one of the co-founders of InterServe Ministries. Kris lives in Maple Grove, MN with her Husband Scott and daugthers Julia and Emily.

  Susan Megrund, Director

Sue has served in youth ministry since 1990. Her education includes a Bachelor of Science in Human Services/Social Work and a Masters of Arts in Youth and Family Ministry from Luther Seminary in St. Paul. Sue lives in Plymouth, MN with her husband Todd. Along with Kris Bjorke, Sue is one of the co-founders of InterServe Ministries.

Kari Osmek, Associate

Kari has been in ministry since 1984. She has been active in camping ministry, traveled with Youth Encounter and served in congregational ministry. She has BA in Family Life Education from Concordia University in St Paul and is currently finishing a Masters in Organizational Leadership and Management. Kari is a Certified Family Life Educator through the National Council on Family Relations. Kari has been with InterServe Ministries since December 2005, and lives in Nowthen, MN with her husband Darrel and son Drake.

Peter Gallatin, Associate

Peter has been ministering to youth for the past 14 years. He obtained his Masters of Arts degree in Youth and Family Ministry from Luther Seminary in St. Paul Mn. He has served congregations in suburban Minneapolis, rural IA and rural MN. He has completed Interim Ministry training and Bridgebuilders. Peter Lives with his wife Jillene and two children in Scandia, Mn. Peter has been with InterServe since 2007.

Tracie Peterson, Associate

Tracie Peterson has over 17 years of Youth and Family ministry experience. With a BA in Psychology, she has worked with youth in many different arenas, from corrections to camping ministry. A MN native, Tracie has worked at congregations in MN, ND and the Seattle Area. She currently lives in Chaska, Mn with her husband and 2 daughters. 

Pete Erickson, Associate

Pete Erickson has served and consulted in congregations since 1991. Pete has an undergraduate degree in Communication from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and excels in ministry system design, change management and coaching. He lives in Stillwater, MN with his daughter, Ellie.

Kristen Brechler, Associate

Kristen has been ministering to youth for the past 14 years. Kristen has a degree in Communications and Psychology from Concordia College in Moorhead MN and a MDIV degree from Luther Seminary with a focus in Youth & Family Ministry. Kristen has served congregations in Minnesota, Nevada and Nebraska, and now lives in Woodbury, MN with husband Gary and boys, Kyle and Micah. Kristen has been with InterServe since August 2007.

Karen Gieseke, Associate

Karen has been serving in Congregational Children’s Ministry since 1988. Her degree is in Sociology and Child Development from South Dakota State University. In addition to her Children’s Ministry Experience, she served as the National Church Library Association President, has led several mission trips to Mexico and works with Advent Pause, a Women’s Ministry. Karen lives in Stillwater, MN with her husband Mark and children, Jenna and Ben.