Paul A. Nelson
Senior Pastor since 1998
paul@immanuel.us, 952-230-0351 (direct dial), 952-937-8123 ex. 51
 

Paul leads Immanuel’s staff and congregation with love and warmth, welcoming all. He is dedicated to helping people of all ages live out their faith and share Jesus’ love in their daily lives. He particularly likes helping men find ways to support one another in faith. It was even the subject of his doctoral thesis!

Paul loves family time and cherishes his wife, Karen, their two adult daughters and two young granddaughters and grandson. He is happiest when participating in family celebrations, gatherings, game nights, traveling, Granddaughter Mondays and time with grandson, Theo. He is an avid reader and loves to hear about what you’re reading too. A good run, an invigorating hike, an evening of curling or a camping trip rank high on his list of leisure activities.

DEGREES: Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Master of Divinity, Doctor of Divinity

FUN FACT: Paul was Immanuel’s first youth minister in 1985 and served as its associate pastor for three years.

Martin Rathjen
Minister of Faith Formation & Communications since 2002
martin@immanuel.us, 952-230-0354 (direct dial), 952-937-8123 ex. 54

While Martin’s Australian accent is fading, his passion for helping children, youth and families grow in faith is not. He guides Immanuel’s Stepping Stone and Confirmation ministries and manages its robust communications program. His proclivity for technology is a great asset - but he always knows when to call the IT guys for help! He enjoys mountain wilderness backpacking, international travel and amateur photography – both when he is on duty and off.

Back to the accent: Some hearing Martin for the first time think he might be from the East Coast! In fact, he’s a pastor’s kid who grew up in Australia and New Zealand. He ventured to Seattle when he was 19, then on to Minneapolis where he met his wife Kim – our Coordinator of Inreach and Outreach. They have two adult daughters who grew up in this congregation.

DEGREES: Associate’s in Biblical Studies; Bachelor’s and Master’s in Christian Education

FUN FACT: Martin is a dual citizen of Australia and the USA, as are his two adult daughters.

Paul Erdmann
Youth and Family Minister since 2003
paule@immanuel.us, 952-230-0355 (direct dial), 952-937-8123 ex. 55

Paul helps our middle and high school students grow in faith, learn leadership skills and gain confidence through experiencing God’s love and forgiveness. By engaging both students and their families in our dynamic Confirmation program, mission trips, backpacking and skiing adventures, service projects and all sorts of other fun activities, he helps families develop healthy Christian relationships and explore the role faith plays in their daily lives.

Paul loves the outdoors and is especially fond of sailing, camping, and cycling. With three young children—twins Madeline and August and younger brother Miles—every day is an adventure!

DEGREES: Bachelor’s in Business Administration; Master’s in Youth and Family Ministry

FUN FACT: Paul and his family have an annual tradition of retrieving their Christmas tree via bicycle!
 

Grace Porter
Director of Children's and Family Ministry since 2021
grace@immanuel.us, 952-230-0356 (direct dial). 952-937-8123 ex. 56

Grace says her happy place is on the stage, especially performing musical theater and singing in the Augsburg University choir. But she’s also great behind the scenes, which is a large part of her role at Immanuel. Grace has worked at Immanuel as our Childen's Ministry Associate since 2019, as our Children's Ministry Interim Director in the summer of '21, and now as our Director of Children's and Family Ministry!

When not studying, working or entertaining, Grace enjoys traveling, the outdoors, music, books and spending time with family and friends.

DEGREES: working on Theology and Public Leadership degree with a concentration in Youth Studies and a minor in Music (graduating in December '21).

FUN FACT: Grace and her two siblings have been members of Immanuel since birth.

Kim Rathjen
Coordinator of Inreach and Outreach since 2013
kim@immanuel.us, 952-230-0357 (direct dial), 952-937-8123 ex. 57

Kim helps Immanuel members share their abundance, explore what it means to be marginalized and find meaningful volunteerism. She manages our relationships with service partners and engages and organizes volunteers in service outside of the congregation.

Whether collecting and sorting food, clothing and other supplies donated by our generous congregation members, managing groups of volunteers or leading and participating in conversations that promote a deeper understanding of those who are marginalized, she loves being part of Jesus’ transformational work in the lives of people and communities. Being part of someone’s “a-ha” moment as they experience new learning or understanding brings her great joy!

Kim loves traveling, learning about new cultures and food. She also loves to clean! She and her husband Martin, our Minister of Faith Formation and Communications, have two adult daughters who grew up at Immanuel.

DEGREES: Bachelor’s in Psychology and Religion

FUN FACT: Kim met Martin when they were both training to be youth and family ministers in Minnesota. They fell in love, married and have been doing ministry together ever since. Kim served as Immanuel’s Director of Children’s Ministry from 2002 to 2013.


Kari Totall
Parish Nurse since February 2018
parishnurse@immanuel.us, 952-836-4484 (Cell)

After a decade of volunteering as Immanuel’s Parish Nurse, Kari officially assumed the title and added her name to the staff roster. In that role, she does what comes naturally to her – compassionately support our seniors and those who are facing a health care crisis or end-of-life issue. In addition to sharing her professional expertise, she connects those she serves to helpful community resources. She also works to educate our congregation about health and wellness and occasionally coordinates some fun activities, like yoga classes.

Kari loves outdoor activity – especially racking up miles on the bike trails, boating and skiing with family and friends. She and her husband Tom joined Immanuel in 1999 and raised their three children in the congregation.

DEGREES: Registered Nurse

CERTIFICATIONS: Hospice and Palliative Nursing, Parish Nurse Certification, Advanced Care Planning

FUN FACT: Kari has worked in hospice care at Park Nicollet for 30 years.