Staff & Vestry

Pastor: The Rev. Joseph G. Crippen

Mount Olive’s pastor since 2010, Joseph is a gifted presider, counselor, and preacher who’s passionate about proclaiming God’s love for all people and serving the church as it seeks to faithfully pursue its mission: In the presence of God, being the presence of God.

Contact: pastor@mountolivechurch.org

• Hometown: Worthington, Minnesota
• Education: Gustavus Adolphus College, Lutheran School Theology at Chicago
• Previous parishes: Our Savior’s, Cleveland, Minnesota; St. John’s, Northfield, Minnesota; vicar at Luther Memorial, Syracuse, Nebraska
• Family: Married to Mary, four adult children, lives in Bloomington
• Hobbies: Movies, novels, music, and enjoying an exceptional cup of tea

Cantor: Daniel E. Schwandt

A rising talent among elite church musicians, Daniel was installed as Mount Olive’s fourth cantor in 2025. Well-known as a thoughtful and engaging voice in the organ world, he has also drawn praise for his work as a choral conductor, teacher, performer, composer, and advocate for congregational singing. 

Contact: cantor@mountolivechurch.org

• Hometown: Appleton, Wisconsin
• Education: St. Olaf College, University of Notre Dame
• Previous positions: Church musician for congregations in the Twin Cities, Chicago, and Indiana; university organist and lecturer, Lawrence University; seminary cantor, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
• Family: Married to Emily Bird, musician and teacher. They live in Minneapolis with their dog, Otis.
• Hobbies: Cooking, hiking, woodworking, gardening

Coordinator of Neighborhood Ministry: Jim  Bargmann

Since 2019, Jim has led our efforts to care for the less fortunate in our community, making connections with other social service organizations and helping parishioners use their gifts to benefit others.

Contact: neighborhood@mountolivechurch.org

• Hometown: Aurora, Colorado
• Education: Concordia University, St. Paul
• Experience: Director of Christian Education
• Family: A son and a daughter, lives in Woodbury
• Hobbies: Hiking, photography, and reading

Administrative Assistant: Cha Posz

Drawn to Mount Olive in 2001 by her love for liturgy and music, Cha has been a talented and cheerful servant of Lutheran congregations for many years. Her tasks include overseeing the office, preparing publications, and caretaking many behind-the-scenes aspects of parish life. 

Contact: welcome@mountolivechurch.org

• Hometown: New Brighton, Minnesota
• Education: Augustana College, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Experience: Former associate in ministry, church musician, youth director, synod worship committee member, and parish administrator
• Family: Married to Kurt, two adult sons, lives in New Brighton
• Hobbies: Photography, gardening

Vicar: Erik Nelson

Erik is our 56th vicar. Vicars are seminary students assigned to parishes for a year of learning and pastoral experience. A successful internship is one of the ELCA’s requirements before earning approval for ordination. 

Contact: vicar@mountolivechurch.org

• Hometown: St. Francis, Kansas
• Education: Free Lutheran Bible College and Seminary, Plymouth, Minnesota; University of Northwestern, Roseville, Minnesota; Luther Seminary, St. Paul
• Family: Lives in St. Paul; partner is Wesley Noble
• Hobbies: Gardening, hiking, dining out, Minecraft

Click here for a list of vicars who have served at Mount Olive.

Children’s Choir Director: Mari Espeland

Mari has taught singing to children in churches, schools, and community choirs for more than thirty years. “I am  happiest when I can help children love music, especially on our faith journey,” she says. 

Contact: mari.mt.olive@gmail.com

• Hometown: Redwood Falls, Minnesota
• Education: St. Olaf College, University of St. Thomas
• Family: Lives in St. Paul, married to Ken Dahlberg, two adult children
• Hobbies: Singing, kayaking, hiking.

Youth Choir Director: Rebekah Schulz

Rebekah has extensive experience teaching children to sing and read music. “There is no more beautiful sound than young people singing together,” she says. 

Contact: bekah.mt.olive@gmail.com

• Hometown: Bethel, Connecticut
• Education: St. Olaf College, Luther Seminary, University of St. Thomas
• Family: Lives in St. Paul, two children
• Hobbies: Travel, working with children