Pastor Berndt
Rev. Lance D. Berndt was installed at Zion on June 22, 2014. He previously served as Associate Pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE in 2003, and as a vicar there in 2001-2002. Pastor Berndt graduated from Trinity International University South Florida in 1998, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Theological Seminary, St. Louis, MO in 2003. He hails from Miami, Florida. Lance and Kimberly (Small) entered the estate of Holy Matrimony in 1995. The Lord has blessed them with two daughters, Autumne and Amberlynn, and a son, Dakota.
Pastor Hale
Rev. Philip Hale was installed at Zion in August, 2015. He previously served as pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bancroft, NE in 2007-2015. He was also called to St. John Lutheran Church in Lyons, NE as part of a dual parish in 2012. Pastor Hale graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne following a vicarage in Fredericksburg, IA. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in electrical and computer engineering. After working briefly as an engineer in Austin, he entered the seminary. Pastor Hale was born in Oklahoma and raised in Keller, TX. In 2007, Christ gave Philip his blessed wife Aubri. God has given them twelve children.
Kantor Gillespie
Kantor Gillespie began playing organ at Zion in June, 2025. Ethan graduated from Concordia, Nebraska and married Logann in May of 2025.
Administrative Assistant
Janice Cohrs is a lifelong member of Zion. She taught high school in Waterloo, NE for 22 years, and worked at the Bank of Bennington. In addition to working in the church office, Janice serves on the Zion Sanctuary Staff and Stewardship Board. Her interests include reading, puzzles, and taking care of her family.
Administrative Assistant
Lisa Timm worked as secretary at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church before coming to Zion. She also worked several years at Mt. Calvary Lutheran School as a teacher’s aide through 2006, and as the music teacher until the school closed in 2014. Lisa enjoys spending time with her parents and brother. She also enjoys music, reading and writing.
Administrative Assistant of Education
Theresa Elder has been Zion’s Youth Education Director since 2012, coordinating Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, and other children’s activities. She also coordinates ZIGGY (Zion’s Inspired Group of God’s Youth) for middle and high school students. Theresa also works for a financial company.