Jay grew up in Kenyon Minnesota. He graduated from Kenyon High School in 1987 and earned a B.A. degree from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota. Jay began ministry as a Youth Director at Messiah Lutheran of Roseau in 1997. In 2021, youth and family ministry at Moe Lutheran was added to his ministry portfolio. Through this shared approach to youth ministry, Jay promotes a welcoming, faith infused, good energy environment for "Moessiah" youth in Grades 1-12. Before his call to Messiah, Jay served as a Bible camp counselor for three summers. His passion for working with kids and for serving Christ is evident in everything he does! He and his wife, Rachel, have two adult children, Tyler and Haley.
