Meet Our Staff
REV. STEVE WHEELER
Senior Pastor
As Senior Pastor, I love how the people of Cross View care for one another and how they truly are the hands and feet of Christ to our community in so many ways. At Cross View, we love to live out our faith. It’s awesome!
As a boy growing up in Eugene and Springfield, Oregon, my parents were instrumental mentors to my faith. They didn’t just tell me about Jesus, they showed me Jesus through their lives, their actions, and their living example.
My favorite Bible story? It’s tough to narrow it down to one, but the resurrection of Jesus is my favorite. Everything in salvation history hinges on the resurrection! Because Christ is risen, I know that my sins are forgiven, that hell has no claim on my soul, and that the curse of death has been overcome. The resurrection means that because Christ lives, the free gift of eternal life belongs to me and to all believers.
I love the color green… and not just because I am a big Oregon Ducks fan. I love green because it is in many ways the color of life and of growth. Green reminds me of the story of the Bible – how God created life, redeemed life, and through His Son gives eternal life.
I’m a bit of an adrenaline junky, and I get a rush from my love of cycling – both on mountain and road bikes. For me, cycling is a great way to see God’s creation while exercising. One of my favorite childhood memories is assembling my first BMX racing bike piece by piece, so I guess I’ve had the urge to hop on a bike most of my life.
Like everyone else, I love summer in Minnesota. I love the smell of the grill. I love eating what the grill produces. And I love taking part in summer outdoor activities with friends and family. Since moving to Minnesota, I’ve also become proficient at a specialized outdoor pursuit—“speed-mowing” my half-acre lawn. And I admit I get an adrenaline rush from my need for lawn care speed. If you’re scoring at home, my current record for mowing my front and back yards is 40 minutes 25.009 seconds. But records are made to be broken!
Some people know of my love for music, and the inspiration I draw from it. What you may not know about is my triumphant work as a member of an underappreciated 80s cover band. Yes, I was the drummer in a Boston cover band that took off in 1987. More than a feeling, we were the real deal. As you might imagine, though, our reunion tour is still pending!
TOBY SCHMIDT
Associate Pastor
Good people, good music, and good books are things that make me happy. They also inspire me.
In my time at Cross View, I’ve been inspired by people’s involvement in our church and in our neighborhoods. It’s refreshing to see the love of God and His kingdom come alive at Cross View, and how much people want to be involved where God is moving around them in their homes, neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces.
I grew up in South St. Paul, Minnesota, and ever since I was young, I’ve loved arts & crafts. I just love making stuff, whether it’s throwing pots (ceramics), drawing and painting, or building a pinewood derby car, a birdhouse, or a bigger project like building a bed, finishing a home repair project or remodeling. I love working with my hands and seeing progress.
My favorite childhood memory is getting in trouble with my mom at dinner while my brother and I tried our hardest to get my sister to spit milk through her nose. (Let’s just say it happened more than once.)
I’ve been blessed throughout my life with spiritual mentors during different times of struggle, growth, and celebration in my faith walk. I’m especially grateful to my parents, Dr. Rich Carter, Pastor Jim Barton, Dr. Joel Okamoto, and my wife Rachel and our wonderful family.
Musically, my interests are constantly changing depending on the day and my mood at the moment. I have a lot of favorites, but I never go wrong with Toby Mac, Lecrae, Kutless, Gungor, David Crowder, or Need to Breathe. I’ve been known to take the mike on occasion and belt out some karaoke, but I’m not sure it’s enjoyable to anyone but me. Consider yourself forewarned!
Psalm 57 inspires me for two reasons. First, it’s a beautiful praise psalm. David praises God before He delivers David from his enemies with a beautiful praise refrain. Second, Rachel and I included a musical rendition (by the band “Nate & James”) of the psalm as the recessional for our wedding (so the passage has a bit of personal meaning to us both).
CHRISTINE EID
Director of Children's Ministries
Children inspire me. They fill my heart with joy, and it’s a blessing for me to have the opportunity to share God’s Word with Cross View’s children and their families.
Jeremiah 29:11 means a lot to me: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This passage gives me comfort in knowing that even though things may happen that I don’t understand or I may not like, I am reassured that God is in control, and that He does have a plan. When I look back at certain events in my life, I can see God’s hand in it, even if I couldn’t see it at the time.
My faith foundation came from my parents. They taught me to live out my faith no matter where I am. I grew up in Park Forest, Illinois, a southern suburb of Chicago. As a Chicago native, my favorite teams are the Bears and Blackhawks. (Sorry!)
During the long Minnesota winters, I like to quilt and scrapbook in my spare time. My favorite place to relax is in my backyard, and in the summer months, I really enjoy gardening, biking and taking walks.
Most people don’t know that I love to cook with my husband, and that we roast our own coffee together. Family is a big part of my life. I love my own family very much and I’m also grateful to be part of a Cross View family full of so many great people who are willing to help each other and share the gifts and talents that God has provided.
JONATHAN ZELLAR
Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
I am blessed to lead Cross View’s youth and young adult programs here at Church and in service to the community, and I do whatever I can to contribute to our warm and welcoming culture.
My favorite Bible stories involve the disciple Simon Peter. He had a passion for doing God’s work AND he made all sorts of mistakes. His passion and his flaws make the Bible more relatable to me.
I grew up in Palmer, Alaska, and in Eagle Lake, Minnesota. My father was a Director of Christian Education at churches in those towns. He is the biggest mentor in my faith walk.
My favorite hobby? Probably slow pitch softball. But I also enjoy binge watching Netflix™ with my wife Kelsie, cheering for the Minnesota Twins, and guiding and working with young people.
I love my family and friends. Most people know that about me. But you may not know about my fixation with Milk Chocolate Mint Conditions from Caribou Coffee ™, and you may not know that I play the Bari Saxophone.
Music inspires me. All kinds of it. Jazz. Christian Rock. Classical. You name it. I listen to it. For karaoke, though, I like to go with a little Bon Jovi. Livin’ on a Prayer. I’m not quite ready for a world tour, but I’m getting better all the time!