First Baptist Church – Minneapolis, MN

Our church staff is dedicated to loving God and lifting you up in prayer. We enjoy the ministries that God has given to us and we look forward to helping you grow in your relationship with God.

Matthew Clausen, Senior Pastor
Pastor Matt joined the ministry of FBC in March 2001 as the Associate Pastor. In May of 2005, he became the Senior Pastor of FBC. His passion for the church, the community, and life transformation is evident in every aspect of his leadership and teaching. Matt received his B.A. in History from Yale University and a M.Div. from Bethel Seminary in St. Paul. He and his wife, Erika, have two children, Madelyn and Isaiah.
612.332.3651 ext. 13

Briant Cuffy, Adult Ministries Pastor
Briant joined the staff of FBC in January 2012. He is a personal evangelist and is committed to relational discipleship. He has been an Associate Pastor in a church in California for the last eight years and has experience with outreach and discipleship in the cities of Memphis and San Diego. He earned a Masters of Divinity from Mid-America Baptist Seminary in 2000 and a Masters in Philosophy of Religions and Ethics from Biola University in 2005. Briant is married to Carrie.

Joelle Hassler, Youth Pastor
Joelle Hassler joined the staff in July of 2007 as Pastor of Youth and Outreach. She blends a passion for youth ministry with the goal of leading the church’s outreach effort. As a former participant and student leader of the FBC youth ministry she has a great connection to our congregation and youth. She augmented her ministry experience at Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie and also at Woodridge in Medina. Joelle is a graduate of Bethel University and also Bethel Seminary. Joelle is married to Adam and they have two children, Ryan and Hannah.
612.332.3651 ext. 16

Isaac Unseth, Children’s Pastor
Isaac joined the staff of FBC in April 2012. Isaac has a desire to help children understand the deep love of their Heavenly Father.  His goal is to see kids learn how to relate to God and to each other in community.  Isaac earned a B.A. in Biblical Studies and Pastoral Ministry at Oak Hills Christian College and a Master of Divinity from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology.  While in Seattle Isaac was a co-creator of curriculum and programming for children at Wits End Church.
612.332.3651 ext. 23

Ruthie Olmstead, Worship Arts Pastor
Ruthie joined the staff of FBC in March 2002. As the Director of Worship, Ruthie is responsible for designing the Sunday morning worship services, organizing special music and worship team practices, leading worship during the service, and pastoring the worship team. Ruthie has had many years of voice and piano training. She also studied music theory at Northwestern College and St. Paul Bible College (now Crown College).
Ruthie is married to Matt. They have four children Mikalah, Iain, Elsipeth, and Morna.
612.332.3651 ext. 22

Jim Forrest, Business Manager
As the Business Manager at First Baptist, Jim is always working to balance the business and ministry of the church. Jim is responsible for maintaining the church budget in conjunction with our Trustees, paying all the bills, overseeing building projects and the custodial staff, and so much more. Jim joined the staff of FBC in September 2002 after working for 3M/Imation for 28 years. He has a background in electronics/computers and customer service. He served in the US Navy for 8-1/2 years before joining the staff of 3M where he had the opportunity to work directly for the White House out of Camp David.
Jim is married to Carol and has 4 sons, all of whom are married, and 9 grandchildren. His hobbies include eBay, collecting Boy Scout memorabilia, NASCAR, and of course, grandkids.
612.332.3651 ext. 12