Judson is Inclusive, Relational and Creative
You will find Judson to be a theologically progressive church in the American Baptist tradition of honoring Soul Freedom, Biblical Freedom, Local Church Autonomy and Separation of Church and State.
The Staff
Reverend G. Travis Norvell, Pastor
Travis and his wife, Lori and three children reside in south Minneapolis near Diamond Lake where they attempt to live out their commitment as “urban agrarians.” In January of 2014, he sold his car and chose to bike and use public transportation for his vocation as a pastor. His twitter handle is the pedalingpastor.
In addition to pastoring Judson, which he describes as the world’s greatest church, Travis is also an adjunct professor at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. His writings have appeared in The Christian Century, The Christian Citizen, Interpretation, Review and Expositor, Sojourners, Star Tribune, Times-Picayune, West Virginia Gazette, and his story about selling prayers at Jazz Fest in New Orleans was published in The Windhover. The writers who speak to him most include Marilynne Robinson, Thomas Merton, Walter Rauschenbusch, Howard Thurman, Wendell Berry, Dorothy Day & Denise Giardina.
Pastor Travis is a proud native West Virginian hailing from the town of St. Albans. He graduated from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, and in 2000 from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School (Martin Luther King, Jr’s alma mater). The pastoral life called him to serve churches West Virginia, Rhode Island, and Louisiana before arriving at Judson in July, 2012.
feel free to contact him: gtnorvell@judsonchurch.org
John De Haan, Music Director
John has been Music Director at Judson since 2006. He has a Master of Music Degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Voice Performance. He is a tenured Associate Professor of Voice at the University of Minnesota where he teaches voice and diction to doctoral students. Prior to Judson, he was Director of Music at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in Mounds View, MN.
In addition to extensive experience with both church and college choirs, John has a passion for opera. He sang opera full time from 1985 to 1995, primarily in Europe, where he met his wife, Jane. They live with their two daughters in Shorewood, MN. In addition to spending time with his family & two dogs, John enjoys boating and collaborating on fun projects with other musicians.
Carolyn Kolovitz, Spiritual Formation Director
Carolyn is a spiritual director and retreat facilitator at Loyola Spirituality Center with a special interest in engaging younger generations on the spiritual journey. Her “Spiritually Guiding Children & Teens” and “Spiritual Grandparenting” workshops are about getting clear on what is most sacred to you, then sharing in a way that connects, not preaches. She has over 15 years of youth programming experience, a Master’s degree in Women’s Studies, and is close to completing her Master’s in Theology at St Kate’s.
Carolyn blogs at www.spiritfulldirection.com. She loves changing seasons, ghost stories, dogs, and indie films. She has an adult daughter Kaitlyn, son-in-spirit Michael, and baby grandson Lucas who lives in Northfield.
Jim Wentink, Organist
Jim has been Organist at Judson since 2001. He grew up in Shoreview, MN and graduated from Bemidji State University with a B.S. in Music, majoring in vocal music and minoring in the organ. Jim started playing at age three when his parents bought him an Emenee chord organ. He has studied with Paul Manz and David Cherwien.
Both Jim and John De Haan share the common experience of having worked at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in Mounds View, MN, but in different years. Jim was their organist for 12 years, leaving in 1994. Jim lives in downtown Minneapolis and enjoys traveling, walking, and spending time with friends.
Eileen McLaughlin, Office Manager
Eileen is a long-time member of Judson (25 plus years). She started working in the office in April of 2012. Eileen worked as an administrative assistant most of her working life in the corporate business world. In the last few years, she changed from working for profit to working for non-profits. Eileen welcomes the opportunity of working for a small non-profit church.
Eileen is married to Jim ten Bensel and has one son Adam, She became a grandmother in December 2016 with the birth of grandson Waldo and again in July of 2020 when granddaughter Hazel Lea was born. She enjoys singing with the Judson choir, playing games, attending concerts, and being with her grand kids, nieces, and nephews.
Malak Tinsley, Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Malak brings expertise and a passion for effective communication. With a degree in Communications from Augsburg University, she possesses a solid academic foundation and real-world experience.
Malak’s commitment to Judson’s mission is evident in her work, communicating the church’s values to resonate with members. Her talent for capturing the church’s vision and creating meaningful content makes her a valuable asset.
Outside of Judson, Malak is an avid learner, staying updated on marketing trends and best practices. She seeks opportunities to expand her skill set and leverage new technologies for impactful messaging. In her free time, she immerses herself in the arts, explores different cultures, and cherishes time with loved ones. Her warmth and professional prowess make her a valuable addition to any team.