CLB PRESIDENT

Rev. Mark Nienow is husband to Andreia, and they have two sons, Luke and Caleb. Mark began reading the Bible during his freshman year of college, and it had a profound impact on his life and faith. Following graduation, he received intensive training in youth ministry from Tentmakers and served a church in the Chicago, Illinois, area. It was during this time that he recognized his need for further training and began his journey to the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. He graduated from Lutheran Brethren Seminary in 2007 and served at True Life Church in Rochester, MN, until his current role as president of the CLB.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Rev. Paul Tjelta served Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church in Westby, WI for twelve years before taking the call to serve as Director of Operations for the CLB in 2024. Paul grew up in Fullerton, CA and Nampa, ID, while his father pastored in those locations. He graduated from the University of Idaho with a degree in architecture and worked for an architectural firm for ten years before attending Lutheran Brethren Seminary. He and Joy have seven children.

DIRECTOR OF NORTH AMERICAN MISSION

Rev. Brandon Pangman didn’t grow up in a Christian family. He was introduced to Jesus when a stranger walked up and proclaimed Jesus to him. Brandon knew the brokenness of this world but this stranger gave him freedom in Christ. Brandon is blessed to be married to Jenny and they have three children. He started serving as the Director of North American Mission in October 2024. He previously served as pastor at CLB congregations in IA, WA, WI, and NY. He has also served as Director of Elevate Youth Convention. Brandon has a degree in Business from Northwestern University and a Master of Divinity from Lutheran Brethren Seminary.

DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL MISSION

Dan Venberg grew up as a child to CLB missionary parents in both Chad and Cameroon. Dan pursued a degree in wildlife management and a master’s degree in agroforestry. After working as a forester for eight years, Dan and his wife Rachel felt called to cross-cultural mission with the CLB. They served as missionaries in Chad for ten years. As of 2020, Dan has been serving as Director of LBIM. Dan and Rachel have four children.

PRESIDENT, LUTHERAN BRETHREN SEMINARY

Dr. Troy Tysdal was born in Fergus Falls, MN. He was baptized as an infant but turned away from the faith. Through the outreach of Lutheran Brethren congregations, he heard the gospel faithfully proclaimed and received Jesus Christ as his Savior. Troy earned his Master of Divinity from Lutheran Brethren Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. Troy has served as Associate Pastor at Stavanger Lutheran Church (2008-2012) and Director of Communications and Prayer of the CLB (2015-2023) before his current role as president of LBS. He and his wife Katie have two children.

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & PRAYER

Tim Mathiesen grew up as a missionary kid in Japan where his parents served as missionaries for eleven years. He graduated from Northwestern College (now University of Northwestern) in St. Paul, MN with a degree in Graphic Design. Before his current role as Director of Communications & Prayer, Tim served for seven years as Director of Communication & Connection for Bethel Lutheran. He is married to Jenny and they have three children.

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & PERSONNEL

LaWayne Rogness grew up in Joice, IA and moved to Fergus Falls, MN as a teenager. He graduated from North Dakota State College of Science in 1972 with a degree in electrical technology. He attended Minnesota State Community and Technical College and completed a business degree in 1983. He owned and operated Interstate, Inc., with his brothers, selling farm equipment for over thirty years. He has served Bethel Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls as treasurer and administrator and was employed by Inspiration Point as its Finance & Facility Director prior to Joining the CLB as its Finance & Personnel Director. He and his wife Beverly have three adult children.