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 primary areas of responsibility include teaching and leading the congregation of FBC in support of our mission to bring people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. 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

Thom Black, Pastor of Adult Ministries
As the Pastor of Adult Ministries, Thom is responsible for overseeing adult community and discipleship ministries. He is a skilled teacher and leader.
Thom holds a Masters in Theological Studies from Bethel Seminary. He lives with his wife, Kathleen, in Arden Hills. Thom and Kathleen have two grown children–Heidi and Pete. In addition to his role at FBC, Thom ministers as an adjunct professor at Northwestern College in the Biblical and Theological Studies department.
In March, 2007, Thom and Kathleen were blessed by their daughter and son-in-law with three grandchildren from Cebu, the Philippines.
612.332.3651 ext. 14

Joelle Hassler, Pastor of Youth and Outreach
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 where she continues to co-teach an Evangelism for Discipleship class. Joelle is married to Adam and they are expecting their first child.
612.332.3651 ext. 16

Sheri King, Director of Children’s Ministries
Sheri joined the staff of FBC in January of 2008. She has gained much children’s ministry experience having directed Sunday School, AWANA, and Vacation Bible School ministries. Sheri earned her bachelor’s degree in Christian Education at Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota. She is married to Steve and they have four young children so don’t even ask about hobbies right now….
612.332.3651 ext. 19

Ruthie Olmstead, Director of Worship
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 6 grandchildren. His hobbies include eBay, collecting Boy Scout memorabilia, NASCAR, and of course, grandkids.
612.332.3651 ext. 12