Pastor Alex and his wife April are thrilled to be serving God’s people at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. Pastor Alex was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and attended Valparaiso University for his undergraduate degree where he studied theology and classics. After his time at Valpo, Pastor Alex moved to St. Louis for his seminary education, where he graduated in 2014. Pastor Alex decided to continue his graduate studies at Concordia Seminary and is currently working on his doctorate dissertation in Early Church interpretation of the Bible. 

With a passion for outreach into the community, discipleship + spiritual mentoring, and education in the Christian faith, Pastor Alex continued to be involved in ministry and has spent time in the areas of college campus ministry and young adult small group ministries in the St. Louis area during his PhD Studies, as well as filling in at local churches with preaching duties. Pastor Alex was even blessed with the opportunity to teach as an adjunct professor a Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in the areas of early church history, theology of missions, biblical Greek, and world religions. It is Pastor Alex’s fervent prayer to be ever shaped by Christ’s love and grace as he serves in God’s kingdom.

In his free time, Pastor Alex loves to read about ancient history, play the electric bass and compose music, weight lift and most importantly, dote on his amazing and beautiful wife, April.

Email: amarque@mtolivelutheran.com

Bill began his professional ministry in the church in 1973. He served four congregations in Oregon over course of 22 years in the areas of evangelism, youth & education. During this time he also taught at Concordia University Portland. In 1996 he accepted a call to Concordia University Chicago where he served as the director of the Director of Christian Education Program. In 2008 he accepted the  call to Mount Olive. Bill has a Master’s Degree in Education and a Doctorate in Theology. His favorite Bible passages are Hebrews 12:2; Galatians 2:20; Philippians. 2:3-8; 1 John 3:16-18; John 3:17; & John 17:15-18.

Email: bcullen@mtolivelutheran.com

John Schmid comes to Mount Olive after serving Rockford Lutheran Schools for 17 years as band and music teacher. His background in music spans from classroom teaching to private lessons to performance. He is a graduate of Concordia University, Nebraska and holds a master's degree in music education from Baylor University. Mr. Schmid also enjoys playing guitar and singing as part of bands Epiphany and Threefold Cord.

Creativity runs in the family, as John's wife, Cheri, is an art teacher and both of their children are active in the arts community.

Email: jschmid@mtolivelutheran.com

Jeannie received her B.S. in Elementary Education from Northern Illinois University and her M.S. in Family Life through Concordia University, Nebraska. She taught a variety of grades in both public and parochial schools before homeschooling her own five children.

Besides her passion for children's ministry, she enjoys sewing, baking, running, and most of all, spending time with her husband, kids and grandkids. Her favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:4.

Email: jnewton@mtolivelutheran.com

Korey has been happily married to James since 2001 after they both graduated from Concordia University in Chicago. James serves as a Firefighter/paramedic and together they have been homeschooling their three daughters, Elizabeth, Moriah, and Madelyn since 2012. 

Aside from coordinating Youth Ministry and Confirmation for Mt Olive, Korey also serves as a director for a local homeschool community with Classical Conversations. Her deepest desire is to see every Christian grow to understand who they are in Jesus and live out their God-given calling with joy. She has a specific passion for strengthening Christian marriages and families. 

She is excited to equip parents to walk alongside their kids, helping them to know, love, and serve Jesus in a world that desperately needs the hope He alone gives. Her favorite Bible verses include Romans 8:28 and 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Email: kwysocki@mtolivelutheran.com