Leadership — Swan Lake Evangelical Free Church

STAFF

It is an immense joy and pleasure to serve, shepherd, and lead in various capacities here at SLEFC.

James joined the staff of Swan Lake after serving churches in Iowa, Minnesota, and Kansas. James’ passion is to disciple others in the gospel with the result that they seek to glorify God, treasure Jesus with their lives, and live by the power of the Spirit day by day. James has a Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Ministry, a Master of Arts in Religion, and Master of Divinity. James and his wife Julie have been married since December 2001 and they have three children.

To connect with James, click here. To send James an email, click here.

**Colton Andrea / Associate Pastor to Youth and Families**

Colton joined the staff of Swan Lake while completing his education at Crown College. He is currently pursuing a Master of Christian Studies Degree and just completed a double major Bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry and Biblical Studies. Colton’s passion is to come alongside families and encourage them toward intentional discipleship while engaging and equipping students with the gospel and providing opportunities to use the gifts that God has given them in order to reproduce the faith that He calls us all to practice.

To connect with Colton, click here. To send Colton an email, click here.

Cooper is serving as the Swan Lake Pastoral Resident from March 1-December 31, 2024. He is currently pursuing a Masters in Applied Theology with an emphasis in pastoral ministry at Midwestern Seminary in KC. He has a burden for ministry, a passion for discipleship, and a zeal for the gospel. Cooper is serving in various capacities, preaching regularly, leading a newly launched Young Adults Bible Study, and thoroughly engaged in the Converge College Ministry at SMSU.

Erin joined the staff in 2009, but has been a member of Swan Lake Evangelical Free Church for many years. She and her husband Mark have three children and have been married since June 1997. Erin very much enjoys her role at Swan Lake and counts it a tremendous privilege to be a part of God’s work in Cottonwood and southwest Minnesota. She is passionate about using her gifts to see God glorified through the various ministries of Swan Lake, making an impact all around the globe.

To send Erin an email, click here.

ELDERS

The Board of Elders at Swan Lake Evangelical Free Church is composed of six lay men, elected to a four-year term by vote of the congregation, and staff pastors. Elder terms are staggered so that one third of the members of the board will be elected at the annual business meeting held early each year. Nominees are expected to meet the biblical requirements set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.

“So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory,” 1 Peter 5:1-4, ESV.

DEACONS

The Board of Deacons at Swan Lake Evangelical Free Church is composed of roughly 7 members, elected to a three-year term by vote of the congregation. Deacon terms are staggered so that one third of the members of the board will be elected at the annual business meeting held early each year. Nominees are expected to meet the biblical requirements set forth in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.

“Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your servant, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many,” Matthew 20:26-28, ESV.