Nathan was nominated for People of Portage County because of his leadership and heart to see all people treated equally. 

He was born and raised in Appleton, Wisconsin. He has lived in Portage County for about 14 years now. 

He participated in a youth group when he was 14 years old. On one side he saw a bunch of kids playing basketball and on the other saw some kids praying and spending time together. He felt in that moment that God said, “this is what you're supposed to do- bring these worlds together”. From there he just tried to learn more about being a pastor and connecting with people. In 2000 Nathan became a pastor in Berlin, WI.

Nathan was challenged with dyslexia and public speaking. He felt he didn’t have the tool set for what he was called to do. With the help of God and some great professors at North Central University in Minneapolis, he became a pastor. 

Nathan’s Favorites:

• Song - 4 by Aphex Twin
• Food- Burritos, San Francisco style
• Book- The Bible and The Dark Tower by C.S. Lewis
• Quote- For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

What makes you happy?

Seeing people succeed and try new things. Of course, his wife Cristi and their two sons Isaak and Ethan doing that same thing. We can’t forget about his dog, Hazel.

How does living in Portage County influence you?

He loves the people and the environment. The people seem genuine and real, it’s not a ‘judgy kind of place’, people are here for each other. They are not closed off and guarded, but they aren’t in your business all the time either. He says it's this perfect mixture of big city and small town that he appreciates. He loves all the green space here, with the Green Circle Trail and being near water. He also has history here, his dad grew up in Stevens Point, he thinks it’s special to know that his children are playing at the same parks his dad used to play at when he was a kid.

The hardest truth he’s ever learned is that he can’t do it on his own, he likes to try to be independent and accomplish things. He’s found when he's on a team, that’s when the real stuff happens.

Nathan believes the best is ahead of us here, as we grow as a community, as we meet one another, as we meet each other's needs. We are going to be able to go places and see things that we couldn’t even imagine. He has a lot of hope for this area.

Where are you headed?

He wants to stay in Portage County, he calls this home. He wants to continue to be a part of a community that is encouraging and gives opportunities to people. He wants to work with his church to help start and plan other churches. “We wants to take the life changing love of Jesus into the neighborhoods”

Who’s your hero?

His dad is his hero, he has always been an encourager, a man of integrity. He always helped where ever he could.

What can people from the community learn form you?

Everyone has a purpose in life and there is always something more for them. God has a purpose for everyone, they are not here by accident. Create and encourage are two driving words in his life. He wants to create opportunities for people to grow and encourage them to find their purpose.

Do you prefer to donate time or money to those in need? Why?

Time more than money because time is are most valuable resource. You can’t earn more of it. Being with people is important.