John is a graduate of the University of Kansas and has an MBA from Indiana University. He worked for twelve years in marketing at General Mills. He attended seminary at Bethel University. In 2005 John helped start City Church. He is the author of “Making Room for Christmas,” a collection of original Christmas stories. John is married to Kathy and they have two grown daughters.

Shelley is a Twin Cities native and a graduate of Wheaton College and Bethel Seminary, where she majored in Children and Family Ministries. She has over fifteen years of children’s ministry experience. In her free time, Shelley enjoys reading books and playing with her daughter Greta, spending time with her husband Matt, and enjoying time with her extended family (especially her 3 sweet nieces). Shelley and Matt enjoy many outdoor activities including cross-country skiing, running, biking, hiking, swimming, and playing pickleball. She enjoys athletic challenges and has competed in 13 triathlons. Shelley and her family live near Lake Nokomis.

Luke is a graduate of the University of Northwestern – St. Paul, with a degree in Youth and Family Studies. Luke is married to Lucy since June 2020. He likes basketball, music, art, and anything to do with Spiderman. Luke enjoys getting to know students, their families, or anybody else for that matter!

Kara Coffler is a graduate of Rice University and is a registered architect, working in design firms in Houston, Menlo Park, New York City and Minneapolis. She has been on staff at City Church since 2005, initially directing the children’s ministry. She is our pastor of community outreach, facilitating connections with ministry partners locally and globally. She also is responsible for operations, facility scheduling and building improvements. Kara is married to Doug and they have two adult daughters.