Staff of the Oregon Synod

Bishop
Rev. Dave Brauer-Rieke  (Read Bishop Brauer-Rieke's bio>)
bishop@oregonsynod.org

The bishop of the synod is responsible for the general oversight and encouragement of pastors, congregations and other ministry sites. Please contact the synod office to ask for appointments with the bishop.

Assistant to the Bishop
Rev. Susan Kintner  (Read Pastor Kintner's bio>)
assistant@oregonsynod.org

The Assistant to the Bishop works in all areas of ministry as needed but has a special focus on mobility issues for rostered leaders and call processes for congregations. She also has a passion for healthy leaders and works with congregations on evaluation processes and mission discernment.

Director of Evangelical Mission
Rev. Glenn Chase
stewardship@oregonsynod.org

The Rev. Glenn Chase is an employee of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, working under the direction of the Oregon Synod bishop. His areas of focus are Mission Support and congregational benevolence.  The Rev. Chase works closely with "Project  Believe" and has a real gift and passion for collaborative ministry models.

Director of Evangelical Mission
Rev. Michael Keys
mission@oregonsynod.org

The Rev. Michael Keys' emphasis is on sharing the Gospel and strengthening congregational work in Mission.  Pastor Keys previously served at Trinity Lutheran in Gresham before moving to Alaska to serve at Central, Anchorage and then as bishop in 2006.  He brings a passion for equipping congregations and leaders for the work of building up the Body and sharing the Good News of God in Jesus Christ.  He has facilitated the start of new congregations, developed ecumenical collaborations, assisted with congregation partnerships, and developed lay leader training programs for Synodically Authorized Ministers.

Executive Assistant
Jan Wierima
 administration@oregonsynod.org

Jan brings significant experience and skills to her new role at the Synod Office.  She has over 20 years’ experience in both public and private sector organizations doing program design, development, and support. 

She is a ‘specialist’ at bringing diverse partners together to forge vision and create on-the-ground practice that works.  Her work with faith communities has included process design and facilitation, strategic planning, and council retreats as a member of the Synod Church Council Training Team. 

Jan has a degree in Business Administration from Oregon State University and a post graduate certificate in Process, Consultation, and Training from the Institute of Pastoral Ministries at Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon.  She is a current member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Gresham.

One of Jan’s professional focus areas involves helping organizations with emerging change--developing systems that encourage diversity, nurture ideas, and provide thoughtful care and support for both individuals and teams along the way. 

Jan has two sons and lives in Boring.  Besides her work with the Synod Church Council Training team, Jan volunteers as a resource for families facing the journey of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.  

Administrative Assistant
Cynthia Reynolds
office@oregonsynod.org

Cynthia is the "voice of the Oregon Synod" and will generally be the one to assist you with basic questions and then direct your call.  Cynthia assists with hospitality, communications, congregational and financial files, and support for Evangelical Mission, Endowment, Project Believe, Bishop's Convocation, and Synod Assembly.  Cynthia is a member of St. James Episcopal Church in Tigard, where she serves as a licensed Eucharistic Minister and Visitor.  She holds B.A. in Management & Organizational Leadership and an M.A. in Theological Studies from George Fox University and George Fox Evangelical Seminary, respectively, and has been a licensed Lay Preacher in the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon since 2003.  In addition to preaching, she’s been involved in numerous diocesan ministries, including delegate to convention and her current work with the Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission.  In her spare time she enjoys needlework, cooking, vintage film, and spending time with her family, especially at the Oregon Coast.