Drew is the lead pastor at Mercy Hill. He is the primary teacher on Sunday mornings and he leads the conversations among staff and volunteers that shape the direction of our community. Drew majored in Art History and Religious Studies at the University of Minnesota, graduated from Bethel Seminary with a Masters of Divinity Degree, and recently completed a Doctor of Ministry in Contextual Theology at Northern Seminary. He is married to Lauren. They live in Wayzata with their kids Eleanor and Eli. His favorite thing about Mercy Hill is that it is a community where he can be himself, become more like Jesus and live with people instead of just around them.
DREW JOHNSON
LEAD PASTOR
MEGAN THORP
PASTOR & DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY LIFE
Megan is a pastor and director of community life at Mercy Hill - which means she has her hand in a little bit of everything. Her family includes her husband Chad and kids, Caleb, Reed, and Quinn. She has her Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology and loves when she is able to use it by connecting with people in the community and learning their story. One of Megan's favorite things about Mercy Hill is the openness and vulnerability of the people who attend. There is no faking we have it all together here - we realize our need for a Savior and are not afraid to show it.
JOHN WALT
PASTOR & ELEMENTARY MINISTRY DIRECTOR
John leads Children and Family ministry at Mercy Hill. He and his wife Katie live in Golden Valley with their kids, Zamira, Isaiah and Dorian, and their two cats. John has been a part of leading Children's ministry in our church network for a number of years and had the pleasure of helping start children's ministry at Mercy Hill. He loves that children are important and highly valued at Mercy Hill and that the church is a spiritual family to all who come. Just as parents love their children no matter what, John is deeply thankful for God's love for him, and the rest of the church, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in.
CALEB ELLINGSON
PASTOR & STUDENT MINISTRY DIRECTOR
Caleb heads up the student ministries at Mercy Hill. He is a playful and optimistic 20 something living with his wife in Minneapolis. Caleb greatly enjoys being passionate and chasing after Jesus in lifestyle and belief. He is also really into coffee, philosophy, absurd shock-value humor that he laughs too loudly at, craft beer, and learning and asking about differing perspectives in the world.
JUSTIE VAVRA
PRAYER DIRECTOR & OUTREACH DIRECTOR
Justie started working at Mercy Hill in the spring of 2019. She leads our team that prays for people during our Sunday gatherings and throughout the week and oversees a number of different outreach teams that serve in the local community. She lives in New Hope with her husband Chris and her children Eden, Ezra, and Orlo. Her family has been a part of Mercy Hill Church since 2014 and one of her favorite things about this community is the church family - the people who make up this community truly are family and what a gift it is to find unity and love and grace under the reign of King Jesus.
MEG DECKER
SUNDAY EXPERIENCE & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Meg has been a part of the Mercy Hill community since 2013. She is passionate about creating an environment where people can experience the reality of God's presence with them and His great love for them. In the context of discipleship, Meg's strength is authenticity and is gifted in connecting with people in their joy and their pain. She looks forward to more opportunities to walk alongside her community and to partner with God in His plans for Mercy Hill!
Meg's passion for music extends outside of the church as well, writing and performing with her friends around town. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband Matt and their son, Kinn (& Jones, the cat).
