our Staff.

Maple Grove’s staff members delight in serving God and the church. Our primary role is not to run programs as much as it is to provide opportunities for people to experience God’s work in their lives and to participate in what God is doing in the world. Stand ready to serve you in whatever ways we’re able.

  • Rich Theilen

    Lead Pastor

    Pastor Rich Theilen grew up in the Twin Cities, graduated from Minnehaha Academy, earned a degree in economics from St. Olaf College, and spent several years in the oil industry.  After sensing God’s call to ministry, he went on to graduate from Bethel Seminary and has served churches in Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and British Columbia, Canada.  He also holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Sioux Falls Seminary, has served in many professional and community leadership roles, and taught theology at Solid Rock School of Discipleship.

    His wife, Cheryl, is a native of Wooster, Ohio, a graduate of North Park University, and serves as director of administration for the Northwest Conference of the Covenant Church.  They have one daughter who is an elementary school teacher.


    In their “free time” they enjoy spending time at their farm in Southwest Minnesota, attending theater and other events, visiting family and friends, playing with their dog Katie, and traveling in North America and Europe.

  • Spencer schuh

    YOUTH AND Family Pastor

    Spencer came to Christ in high school, when he was lured to Bible study by a friend who suggested it was just a get together. From there, Spencer felt a deep calling to deepen his relationship with God, so after graduating from Orono High School, he spent four years serving Youth With A Mission (YWAM), participating in outreach trips to Cambodia and Thailand and teaching for a year in a YWAM Bible school. Still hungering to know God more, upon returning home, he attended Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, where he earned his MA, focusing his studies on Old Testament and Church History. During this time, he spent five years serving in a local youth group before coming to MGCC. He is currently pursuing a ThM through Union School of Theology. 


    Throughout these experiences, he felt a continued call to teach the Bible to whoever would listen. His greatest joy is guiding students to discover the wonder and depth of Scripture and to encounter the living Word for themselves.


    His wife, Emily, a graduate of the University of Northwestern-St. Paul, is a literature teacher at Nova Classical Academy—on their first date, they bonded over their mutual love of very old books, like the Epic of Gilgamesh and the works of Homer. In their free time they must admit that they are rather boring; they unsurprisingly spend a fair amount of time reading, "enjoy" exercise and backpacking, and looking at prehistoric cave paintings. 

  • ROMEL DHAR

    WORSHIP DIRECTOR

    Born and raised in Nagaland, India, Romel now calls Minnesota home. He gave his heart to Jesus at a young age, and it changed his life forever. Romel is passionate about discipling and mentoring young worship leaders through the gift the Lord has blessed him with. He served Youth With A Mission (YWAM) for 7 years in the worship ministry and has since lead worship at various churches and organizations. Romel joined the MGCC family on staff in the summer of 2022 and considers it a privilege to be able to serve this great community. 

     

    Romel is thankful for and blessed with an 8-year-old daughter, Vivonuo. She is kind, beautiful, and compassionate. Romel enjoys spending time with her, going to coffee shops, working out, taking long walks, traveling the world, exploring new places, cooking, and trying new recipes. 

  • NATALIE KARL

    Administrative assistant

    Natalie grew up in the small town of Buffalo Lake. During her time at University of Northwestern – St. Paul, Natalie served on summer staff at Lake Beauty Bible Camp and interned in Southeast Asia before graduating with degrees in Nonprofit Leadership, Intercultural Studies, and Bible. In her free time, she enjoys watersports, weight lifting, traveling, and spending time with her family. Natalie recently moved to Rogers and is excited to continue to serve the MGCC community!