Pastoral Staff
Brian Quade, Lead Pastor — bquade@c3ec.org
I’ve been involved at Bethesda since 1990, when I started college at UWEC and have been in a pastoral role since January, 2010. I’ve had opportunities to serve as a volunteer, as a staff person in Student Ministries, as an elder, as a pastor, and now as Lead Pastor. It is a rich and wonderful privilege to do life with this congregation, as we learn to follow Jesus together, serving others as He leads and calls us!
I am grateful for the privilege of entering life with people, hearing and processing their stories. I’m also passionate about helping people understand what the Bible says in the hope that we’ll all experience the God of Wonder who reveals himself and invites us to trust him through the words he’s given us and his continuing work in our lives.
My wife Kristen and I were married in 1998, and we have 3 kids - Brianna, Kami, and Kip, who keep getting older.
I’ve always wanted to have cool hobbies but never figured out what they should be. I enjoy reading - for personal growth and for fun. I enjoy movies, especially when I get to watch and discuss them with Kris. I enjoy going for walks and exploring the woods with my dogs. And I enjoy playing games with family and friends in the moments we get to slow down between other activities.
Sawyer Brunkow, Associate Pastor — sawyer@c3ec.org
I began serving at Bethesda in 2026 and have found it to be a genuinely great church to call home. I'm married to Solveig, and we have a daughter, Lena, who keeps life full and fun. When I'm not at church, you'll usually find me at a coffee shop, out on the golf course, or spending time with family and friends. One of my greatest joys in ministry is helping new people feel at home as they begin their journey at Bethesda.
Todd Lenz, Pastor of Congregational Care — todd@c3ec.org
I recently started my role as Pastor of Congregational Care, so this makes me the newest member of the staff and Pastoral Team. I will be overseeing and coordinating with the numerous people who provide spiritual, physical, and emotional care to the people of Bethesda. In addition, I will be doing some preaching and teaching, as well as supporting pastoral ministry. I am very excited to be called to this position! Tricia (my wife) and I were married at Bethesda and we have raised our family in the church. We have many relationships in this church, and it is a privilege to be able to serve the people of Bethesda in this capacity.
In my free time I love being with my wife as we spend time with our adult children and grandchildren. I also enjoy being active (especially outside) and reading a good book.
Ministry and Support Staff
Nicky Carlson, Ministry Assistant — nicky@c3ec.org
I started here at Bethesda in April of 2026 as the Ministry Assistant. I love this role because I get to work with everyone and I get to do a little bit of everything. It’s very exciting because it’s always a change of pace and I get to spend time working with and helping everyone.
I moved to Eau Claire in 2005 for college. My husband, Shane, and I were married in February of 2009 and we have our amazing daughters Ali and Emma. In my spare time I absolutely love to read and I enjoy spending time outside.
Drew Clausen, Communications Director — office2@c3ec.org
I've been on staff here at Bethesda since 2010, but Bethesda has been my church home since I came to Eau Claire as a college student back in the 1980s.
As Communications Director, it's my job to keep you all informed about what's happening in our church family, and to tell our stories. One of the best parts of my job is helping you to tell our stories, too, so that together we can share the great gospel story.
Dorie Fink, Director of Children's Ministries — Dorie@c3ec.org
My first staff position at Bethesda was serving as the Nursery Coordinator, starting in 2013. Since then, I have had the privilege of serving children and their families in a few different roles. I currently serve as the Director of Children’s Ministries.
I so enjoy what I get to do! My work involves the training and support of volunteers, overseeing curriculum, planning activities & programming, teaching, working with other staff and church leaders, and spending time with families. It is such a privilege to partner with families as they nurture children from birth through elementary school, and with the congregation as we seek to know, encourage, instruct and learn from the youngest members of the Body of Christ. Discovering the depths of God’s love together is a gift that continues to amaze me.
When I’m not “at work,” I enjoy spending time with my husband and 2 sons, as well as reading, and a variety of creative projects. When opportunity allows, I enjoy traveling with my family and discovering new places, especially in nature. My picture of a “perfect evening,” is cuddling up on the sofa with a cup of tea while I visit with my family, or get lost in a good book.
If we haven’t met, please introduce yourself to me; I’d like to get to know you.
Dani Hansen, Director of Pathfinders — Dani@c3ec.org
I was brought on staff in February of 2026 as Director of Pathfinders, after launching and volunteering with this special needs ministry since February 2019. I grew up attending Bethesda; my faith developed through formative spiritual experiences and meaningful discipleship relationships. I met and married my “youth-group sweetheart” here, and we’re blessed to be raising our four kids within this beloved Church family.
I have close personal and professional experience with people who have special needs. I’m passionate about promoting access to the Gospel for these individuals and their families, and integrating them within the Church body. The aims of our Pathfinder ministry are to grow in relationship with God, each other, and the Church.
Jim Hermann, Custodian — jim@c3ec.org
I have been on staff at Bethesda since July of 2007. My responsibilities include facility maintenance and event set-up.
My wife Holly and I were married in 1984 and have three grown children and one grandchild.
One of my passions is music (I'm a drummer) and I love to use that gift both here at the church and outside of church.
Eric Johnson, Director of Ministries to Students and their Families — eric@c3ec.org
I joined Bethesda staff in 2016, continuing my ministry to students and their families. I have led youth ministry in churches and through Young Life since 1988 when I started my first position while in college. I now have students of former youth group kids in the ministry; I may look older, but I don’t feel much older! My family includes my wife Sarah, our son Jace, and our daughter Allison. We love teenagers and strive to introduce them to Christ and walk alongside non their journeys with Him, giving them space and time to consider what life engaged in relationship looks like.
In my free time you’ll find me on an adventure discovering something or someplace new, along the way getting to know someone new. I’m not a fan of small talk, so I prefer to get real and be honest about life. I love to travel, bike and spend time with old and new friends at a local coffee shop. If you want to grab a coffee and talk deeply about life, let me know. I look forward to it.
Nicole Kuhnert, Director of Operations — office@c3ec.org
Tim Mentink, Custodial Assistant
Karyn Quandt, Choir Director — karyn@c3ec.org
This year (2026-27), will be my ninth year as Bethesda’s adult choir director. God has richly blessed me by allowing me to direct this group of talented, caring, dedicated and fun people who love God.
Part of by time away from music is spent on the Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra Board, quilting and enjoying my 6 year old granddaughter.
Aaron Spina, Bethesda Worship Arts — aaron@c3ec.org
I was brought onto Bethesda's staff in September of 2018, but I grew up as part of the family here. I have my own family now, a wife and a daughter more wonderful than I ever could have imagined or deserved, and I'm so thankful that we're part of the body at Bethesda.
Music has always been something that makes me think and feel deeper than I normally would, and I have to imagine that that's because I'm created in God's image; I believe the Lord was at least humming during the process of Creation, if not singing the most beautiful serenade ever. There's something deeper and more meaningful to music than can be described, I think that's because it's part of God's character somehow, and I think that's why we are moved to use it in response to Him.
When you're getting to know someone, you never ask "do you listen to music?" The question asked is always, "what kind of music do you listen to?" It's built into us, and I hope to lead and move our people to direct it back towards the One who built it in.
