ministry staff
kevin hohnstadt - lead pastor
About Me: God called my family and me to Beautiful Savior in July of 2020. I was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up all over the Midwest, My wife, Liz, was born and raised in Orange County, California, and we met in Denver, Colorado! Our daughter, Charlie Rose, was born in Houston, Texas, as was our fur child, Captain! In addition to my family, I love Batman, the Packers, exclamation points, and getting to share the message of grace with the world, as well as helping people find their own story and be able to see how, in all things, God works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28)! I know I’m not perfect, but I would love to get to know you and walk in the mess of sin and grace together!
My Role: I have been called to shepherd the flock of Beautiful Savior and lead them forward to expand Christ’s Kingdom. My role is all about building relationships, preaching the Word of God, and building community within the congregation of Beautiful Savior, as well as in the entire Portland Area. By the grace of God, we will march forward together in our best attempt to follow Christ’s example in seeking and saving the lost!
pastorkevin@bslc.com
My Role: I have been called to shepherd the flock of Beautiful Savior and lead them forward to expand Christ’s Kingdom. My role is all about building relationships, preaching the Word of God, and building community within the congregation of Beautiful Savior, as well as in the entire Portland Area. By the grace of God, we will march forward together in our best attempt to follow Christ’s example in seeking and saving the lost!
pastorkevin@bslc.com
john durkin - director of family ministry
About Me: I love people, and I love the Lord. I came to serve here in July 2021 from Springfield, Virginia. I am a DCE graduate of Concordia Chicago with more than 20 years of full-time ministry experience in VA, IN, IL and WI. I have also worked as a consultant for LCEF, a presenter for a Christian Publishing company, and a project coordinator with Kids Against Hunger. I am passionate about equipping saints for ministry through training, networking, and support. My wonderful wife, Mary, is a teacher in Oregon City, and we have two beautiful children Maddie and Mike. In my free time I enjoy movies, fixing things, eating, and trying new stuff. My favorite verse is, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Eph. 2:8-9
My Role: I have been called to serve as the Director of Family Ministries. I am primarily focused on children and youth in the short term, but I’d like the entire church to feel like they are involved in family ministry, because all believers are part of God’s family.
johnd@bslc.com
My Role: I have been called to serve as the Director of Family Ministries. I am primarily focused on children and youth in the short term, but I’d like the entire church to feel like they are involved in family ministry, because all believers are part of God’s family.
johnd@bslc.com
Alyxis merritT - PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR
About me: I grew up at Beautiful Savior and have followed in the footsteps of my grandma, Ingrid, who started the preschool. I have learned from her and the other teachers for three years and now am excited to take on the responsibility of leading our staff to teach well the children put in our care. I am currently going to school to get my Early Childhood degree.
My Role: I oversee the staff, planning and caring for our preschool, including every family that is represented. I communicate with the parents and ensure that the children are kept safe and are given all they need to gain age-appropriate skills and be prepared for further education.
alyxis@bslc.com
ministry assistant
Kathy ikola - administrative assistant
About me: I joined the staff at Beautiful Savior in 2010, but have been a member since 1989. My first role at Beautiful Savior was as a youth volunteer leader which I joyfully continue to fulfill. I grew up in Oregon so I enjoy being in God's creation, hanging out with young people, traveling, and seeing how God is working in other parts of the world (esp Uganda and Mexico). My favorite times are worshiping God, laughing with others, keeping things working and helping others grow in their relationship with Jesus.
My Role: I am the first face or voice in the office and support our ministries and staff. Going along with my joy of worship, I help to plan and coordinate our worship services. Overall, my desire is to serve our Lord and this family of Jesus-followers with humility, creativity and a smile.
kathy@bslc.com
My Role: I am the first face or voice in the office and support our ministries and staff. Going along with my joy of worship, I help to plan and coordinate our worship services. Overall, my desire is to serve our Lord and this family of Jesus-followers with humility, creativity and a smile.
kathy@bslc.com