Pastoral Staff
Pastor Josh grew up in a small-town farming community in Iowa and has always had a deep love of music. Pastor Josh grew up Catholic, but eventually began to identify as Lutheran, shaped by experiences at an ELCA college, campus ministry, and college choir. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Wartburg College in Waverly, IA in music education, and a Master’s of Divinity from Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, IA.
After graduating from Wartburg College in 2000, Josh spent two years volunteering with an international music ministry called Youth Encounter, which gave him the incredible opportunity to work with Lutherans in Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. This experience formed a deep love for the global church and the beautiful diversity in Christ’s church.
Pastor Josh served in youth ministry for six years in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, eventually feeling called to ordained ministry. Pastor Josh and his family moved to Dubuque, IA in 2009 to study at Wartburg Seminary.
Pastor Josh joined the staff at Good Shepherd in 2016. As Lead Pastor, Josh serves as the head of staff, and works closely with Council and other leadership committees to guide the mission and vision for Good Shepherd.
Pastor Josh enjoys teaching, learning, and using his creativity to enhance the ministry of Good Shepherd, but his deepest passion is discipleship. Josh loves seeing people grow closer to God and discover their gifts for ministry.
“I love the incredible community at Good Shepherd. It is truly a family on mission. We a beautifully diverse congregation where people bring different experiences and perspectives. In the midst of a dividing world, Good Shepherd is always uniting around the unconditional love of Jesus and the mission we share.”
Pastor Josh’s guiding verse for ministry is Ephesians 4:11-12:
The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.
When not at Good Shepherd, you can find Pastor Josh spending time with his family, Deacon Gail Brecht and their three boys, Elijah, Evan, and Miles. They love games (board and video), and enjoying God’s creation through hiking, biking, and kayaking.
As the Pastor of Discipleship, Pastor Amy leads our Children, Youth, and Family ministry team. She focuses on the spiritual growth of our congregation, which a special emphasis on ministry with families.
As the Pastor of Congregational Care, Pastor Varinia works with our Visitation and Care Ministry team, Stephen Ministry, and our Welcome Ministry. She also supports our Service Ministry teams.
Youth & Family Staff
Emily Horning oversees our Children & Family ministries such as Sunday School and SHiNE.
Delaney Rhea oversees our Youth and Family Ministries. Delaney leads FLY High School Ministry, RiSE Middle School Ministry, and works with Pastor Amy on RiSE Confirmation Ministry.
Kathy Rebholz leads our preschool ministry, Building Blocks. Kathy oversees the Building Blocks teachers and support families that participate in Building Blocks program.
Music Staff
Jamie De Geer oversees all of the Music Ministry and music staff at Good Shepherd. Jamie directs all of the choirs, leads Music Camp, and SHiNE singers.
Deacon Gail Brecht leads our Contemporary Music Ministry. Gail is works with our worship band and musicians to lead the 11:00 Worship Service. She also leads our Youth Worship Band, giving our teenagers the opportunity to use their gifts to lead worship.
Keith Kolander serves as the Organist for Good Shepherd, and also accompanies special music.
Office & Administrative Staff
Andrew Leach oversees all aspects of technology at Good Shepherd including Audio/Video Worship Ministry, Online Worship, and IT. Andrew also supports the pastors and staff, helping to plan and coordinate worship services each week.
Julie Deay oversees all of the business aspects of Good Shepherd. She works closely with the Facilities Management and Planning Committee (FMPC) and supports many other aspects of the ministry of Good Shepherd to ensure things run smoothly.
Jennifer Makoski handles accounting for Good Shepherd and Building Blocks, and she also oversees communication for Good Shepherd.
