Meet the Staff

I love the people, life and ministry of Northwood because she is a loving church that has a heart for others. Pastoring Northwood has been a huge blessing and gift from God. I especially enjoy seeing God change people's lives as they experience the love of Jesus Christ and the truth of the Bible. I'm excited about all God is doing at Northwood and where he is leading us. I've been married to Kris for over 27 years and we have three young adult children. I like exercising, watching sports, landscaping (I mow my lawn in four different patterns so it looks like a baseball field) and good food (Chinese, Mexican, BBQ, etc. . . .). My favorite movies are the Jason Bourne series, Shawshank Redemption (great lines about "hope" in it) and the recent Sherlock Holmes releases. My favorite book is Through the Bible, Through the Year by John Stott.

Renee is the glue that holds the Northwood office together. In her role as Office Manager she works on accounting, the weekly Northwood News, responding to emails, record-keeping, and keeping track of all the details necessary to making Northwood Church possible. Renee also enjoys painting, chocolate, and playing with her beautiful granddaughter.

Debbie Shireman is the Interim Children's Diretor of Northwood church in Maple Grove MN. She loves seeing the kid's excitement and enthusiasm as they go to class on Sunday morning. Debbie is blessed by the opportunity to get to know each child. Their smiles make her day! Sunday school inspires her to at like a kid again by allowing her to play, tell Bible stories and snack-out on cheerios! Debbie also enjoys working with the teachers and seeing he relationships that develop between them and the kids. Debbie loves to play outdoor sports, scrapbook and spend time with her husband Brice, daughter Kaitlyn and extended family and friends.

Travis Scharn joined Northwood as Worship Pastor in 2010. He has a passion for leading the church in a lifestyle of worship. Music is infused in almost every part of Travis‘ life; just take a look at the producer’s studio that he calls his office. Travis married his high school sweetheart Sarah (which he is REALLY proud of). Playing music, BBQ, getting outdoors with his dog Lulu, and just hanging out with friends are some of his hobbies. Travis’ west coast background is reflected in his laid back personality and easy going nature.

Luke Trouten joined the staff in 2006 as Northwood's first youth pastor. He loves the unbridled energy, passion, and innocence of the teens he works with, not to mention the fact that playing mini-golf can count as work. He and his wife Katie enjoy anything that gets them outside, but especially backpacking at National Parks or canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Luke also writes for various magazines and websites, does web and graphic design, and always wants to eat Chinese food.