Pastor Jonathan Bartels is a native Nebraskan, growing up in Papillion. He attended Concordia University, Nebraska from 2012-2016 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. After graduation, he served as a worship producer at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Omaha. In 2020, he began his studies at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, receiving a Master of Divinity degree in May 2024. As part of his seminary training, he served as vicar at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Charles, MO.
Pastor Bartels was married to his wife, Emily, in 2022, and they have one son, Shepherd, who was born in March 2024. Emily is also a Nebraskan. She grew up in Lincoln and her father is currently senior pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Lincoln.
Pastor Bartels is the second pastor of The Rock Lutheran Church. The Rock became a member church of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in 2009. The mission of The Rock is to be a joyful and supportive group of people in Seward, Nebraska, who are continually reaching out to connect people to Jesus Christ and to each other. Our vision is to be a group of people joined together by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and striving for new connections through open gatherings, conversations, service to the community, and mission beyond borders.
Rev. Bartels was installed as pastor of The Rock on Sunday, July 14, 2024. You can contact him at [email protected].
Thank you to Rev. David Loeschen who served as The Rock’s vacancy pastor.
Directors
- Our pastor – Rev. Jonathan Bartels
- Scott Seevers – President (contact him at [email protected])
- Tim Moll – Vice President
- Wayne Bruns – Treasurer (contact him at [email protected])
- Emmi Owens – Secretary of the congregation
- At Large Directors – Brevin Sloup, Matt Myers, Jen Janousek, Jackson Hackbart
Email the Directors at [email protected]
Ambassadors
- Our pastor – Rev. Jonathan Bartels
- Jake Eckles – Chair
- Ross Briggs – Secretary
- At Large Ambassadors – Tom Briggs, Nick Sloup, Todd Johnson, Tim Preuss, Bill Schranz
Email the Ambassadors at [email protected]
Administrative Assistant
Megan Boggs – [email protected]