Shane Friesen, Family Life Pastor
I grew up in this tiny little town called Inman, nestled in the heart of Kansas and home to “One thousand and one friendly, prosperous people.” These genuine, down-to-earth folks taught me a ton about life. Not only that, it’s where I crossed paths with my absolute best friend (and wife), Angie.
Fast forward to 1995. I was a few years into married life when I felt this pull, this tug from the Holy Spirit, towards a job opportunity as a student pastor at this eclectic church called “Hope” in a strip mall in Andover . And let me just say, these past twenty-nine years serving as a student pastor? They've been nothing short of incredible.
Now, don't get me wrong, it hasn't all been rainbows and butterflies. Angie and I, along with our kiddos, have weathered our fair share of storms over the years (parenting and marriage is HARD). But you know what? It's made us stronger. Our nest might be empty now, but that doesn't mean we're done navigating life's challenges. Nope, we're still right there in the thick of it, pointing our grown kids towards Jesus every step of the way.
And guess what? 2024 rolled around, and I found myself stepping into a new role: Family Life Pastor. My focus? Helping our fellow "Hopesters" (that's what we call folks who call Hope their church home) with all things marriage and parenting. I'm talking about nurturing healthy marriages and raising kids in a way that's rooted in Jesus and God’s Word.
Oh, and speaking of family, Angie and I tied the knot back in '92. We're proud parents to five amazing kiddos: Morgan (Austin), Tulro, Tave, Annelise, and Drew and two (so far) grandkids.
Fast forward to 1995. I was a few years into married life when I felt this pull, this tug from the Holy Spirit, towards a job opportunity as a student pastor at this eclectic church called “Hope” in a strip mall in Andover . And let me just say, these past twenty-nine years serving as a student pastor? They've been nothing short of incredible.
Now, don't get me wrong, it hasn't all been rainbows and butterflies. Angie and I, along with our kiddos, have weathered our fair share of storms over the years (parenting and marriage is HARD). But you know what? It's made us stronger. Our nest might be empty now, but that doesn't mean we're done navigating life's challenges. Nope, we're still right there in the thick of it, pointing our grown kids towards Jesus every step of the way.
And guess what? 2024 rolled around, and I found myself stepping into a new role: Family Life Pastor. My focus? Helping our fellow "Hopesters" (that's what we call folks who call Hope their church home) with all things marriage and parenting. I'm talking about nurturing healthy marriages and raising kids in a way that's rooted in Jesus and God’s Word.
Oh, and speaking of family, Angie and I tied the knot back in '92. We're proud parents to five amazing kiddos: Morgan (Austin), Tulro, Tave, Annelise, and Drew and two (so far) grandkids.
