Maple Grove Evangelical Free Church

Russ Berg

Title:  Senior Pastor

Responsibilities:  Teaching Pastor, Lead Visionary for ministry

Hometown:  CHICAGO ,Ill. -  Go Bears!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Family: Wife - Melody, two daughters - Autumn and Crystal, and three grandchildren

Education:  Moody Bible Institute - B.A. Evangelism and Biblical Studies, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School - M.A. Education, Bethel Seminary - DMin(2012) Marriage & Family

Experience:  28 years in Christian Ministry / 4 churches; 17 yrs at MGEFC, 8.5 yrs Des Plaines Bible Church - Youth and Family, 2.5 yrs Medinah Baptist Church - Youth Pastor

What brought me to MGEFC:  God used a set of unplanned circumstances to open our hearts to the people here. Maple Grove as a city and community began to grow on my heart.

Vision for my ministry:  Become a passionate body of Christ followers who flood Maple Grove and the surrounding communities with Christ’s amazing love by doing good works and sharing good news.

Favorite movie:  Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Favorite TV show:  The Mentalist

Favorite musical artist:  Watermark

Favorite book (other than the Bible):  The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg

Favorite caffeinated beverage:  Caribou light roast w/ cream

Favorite person:  Melody - my wife

Favorite place to pray:  In my home study with a candle lit

Favorite sports team:  Chi Town Bears and Cubbies

Favorite food:  BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Hobbies/interests:  Biking, reading, hanging out with Melody, fishing, carpentry, CX skiing

Random fact about me:  Blew out ACL on a confirmation retreat; On Facebook; Love being a grandpa; In Who’s Who ( or Who Cares?); took 18 years to complete MA

What fascinates me:  The expanse of the universe; the complexity of the invisible world of creation

Best advice given to me:  Don’t take yourself too seriously; take God very seriously.

My life motto:  Serve the purposes of God in your generation. He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure. Isaiah 33:6

Three people I would like to have dinner with:  Bono, My Dad (in heaven since 2005); Rick and Kay Warren

Heroes:  Jesus Christ - the Captain of my faith, Andy Stanley, Our Staff, D.L. Moody, Bruce Kratky, Tom Moore