Our Staff
Senior Pastor - Craig Jennings
Dr. Craig Jennings has served in Christian ministry for a number of years. He was raised in Minneapolis, MN where his father was a Lutheran pastor. After graduating from high school in 1973, Dr. Jennings attended college at Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC where he earned a B.A. in history in 1977. Following graduation he was given a teaching fellowship at the university. From 1977-1982 he taught various undergraduate history courses while pursuing advanced studies in church history. From 1982-1984 he worked at the university’s press, helping to write and edit textbooks for Christian schools. Dr. Jennings received his M.A. in 1979 and his Ph.D. in 1985.
From 1985 to the present, Dr. Jennings has pastored churches in both the Church of the Lutheran Brethren and the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. Dr. Jennings also served as Professor of Historical Theology at the Free Lutheran Seminary and Bible School in Minneapolis from 1989-1995. Dr. Jennings and his wife, Laurel, were married in 1979. They have three children: Karen, Brian, and David.
From 1985 to the present, Dr. Jennings has pastored churches in both the Church of the Lutheran Brethren and the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. Dr. Jennings also served as Professor of Historical Theology at the Free Lutheran Seminary and Bible School in Minneapolis from 1989-1995. Dr. Jennings and his wife, Laurel, were married in 1979. They have three children: Karen, Brian, and David.
Youth Leader - Rob Roise
Rob Roise was raised in Minot, North Dakota and in 2001 met and married Jody Wood of Dickinson, North Dakota. From 2003 through 2012 Rob and Jody ran a small construction company that they owned in the Twin Cities, Minnesota where they were raising their 4 Children (David, Doulton, Joseph & Isabella) until Rob was called to join the staff at Grace. Though he has no formal ministry training or education, Rob considers himself to be an "Armchair Theologian," much like one might be an "Armchair Quarterback." His desire is to see the "Word of Christ dwell richly" in the Church (from Colossians 3) and to speak into the lives of people, young and old, the Gospel of Jesus Christ in hopes that they would look to Him alone as the all-sufficient Joy and Pleasure in their lives.
A guitar player for 27 years, Rob has recorded and performed guitar all over the region; from Commercial Jingles, to Recording Artists, to Church Worship Teams. Most Sundays, you’ll find Rob and Jody taking full advantage of the opportunity God has given them to participate in leading Worship (Rob with his guitar, and Jody on piano or vocals) here at Grace.
A guitar player for 27 years, Rob has recorded and performed guitar all over the region; from Commercial Jingles, to Recording Artists, to Church Worship Teams. Most Sundays, you’ll find Rob and Jody taking full advantage of the opportunity God has given them to participate in leading Worship (Rob with his guitar, and Jody on piano or vocals) here at Grace.
Secretary - Lola Swedlund
Lola Swedlund grew up in western Nebraska. She studied radio broadcasting and graduated from Johnson University in Tennessee. For years she worked in her family business and on-air at her local Christian radio station.
Lola moved to North Dakota when she married her husband in 2022. She enjoys reading, baking, traveling and teaching women how to dress their best every day. She and Derrick live at Lake Metigoshe.
Lola moved to North Dakota when she married her husband in 2022. She enjoys reading, baking, traveling and teaching women how to dress their best every day. She and Derrick live at Lake Metigoshe.