OUR STAFF
Derek Mumm
LEAD PASTOR
Meet Pastor Derek
What first made you realize God was calling you into ministry? After my freshman year of college, during which I was pursuing an education in dentistry, something within me felt "off." After a heart-to-heart conversation with my Dad, I began to pray about what God had for me next. The thought of ministry kept coming to mind, and the more I pursued that possibility, the more my excitement, joy, and peace thrived. Each time I took a step toward it, I felt the comfort of the Holy Spirit confirming that decision until I just woke up one day and just KNEW this is what God was calling me to do.
What do you love most about being the Lead Pastor at The Bridge? The people, hands down. I get to meet so many new people and have an up-close view of them growing in their relationship with Christ. It's one of the coolest things in the world to see God working in and through people. Not to mention, I love becoming friends with all these incredible people.
What is a hobby or interest that we may not know you have? (Duck hunting and dog training don't count, lol) I am a sports fanatic. At any point during the year, a professional sports event will be playing on my TV at home. Similarly, I love to compete in any sport-related activity. Running, video games, and time at the lake are also honorable mentions. But above all, anything with my family is a win in my book.
Tell us about your family. My wife, Meg, and I have been married for ten years, and I love her endlessly. We met in college, got married young, and continually fall more and more in love. We brought our son Ellis (7) and daughter Parker (5) into the world, and they are our world. Our family of four loves quality time exploring, settling in for movie nights, spontaneous adventures, and anything that brings us TOGETHER.
What is your favorite local restaurant? Esmeralda's Mexican Restaurant. I am a professional at demolishing a basket of chips and salsa, and I live for a plate of rice and steak smothered in cheese sauce. As a matter of fact, I may need to go and get some of it after filling out this question.
What's one thing you hope every person experiences at The Bridge? I hope they experience God's Presence. When they come to The Bridge, I hope they feel so welcomed, like they're stepping into a family they never knew they had. And at the center of it all is the overwhelming feeling of knowing God is in this place. More than anything, I want them to have a personal, real encounter with God himself.
Riley Loukinen
YOUTH PASTOR
Meet Pastor Riley
What do you love most about working with students? I love seeing students go all in for Jesus and the excitement they start living life with. They begin to realize their true potential and purpose, and they are world changers.
What's one thing every teenager needs to hear today? You have purpose and hope in something that will never fail you - Jesus!
Tell us about your family. I am married to my best friend, Chloe. We have been married for a little over a year now.
What's your all-time favorite basketball memory? My favorite basketball memory is not one moment but the moment each season when my teams would start feeling like a real team and fight for each other.
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What fictional character would make the best youth pastor? Why? Captain America because he makes everyone around him better and pushes those around him to come together for a purpose bigger than themselves.​
What's your favorite Bible story and why? Mark 2:1-10 - the story of the friends carrying their paralyzed friend to Jesus and lowering him through the roof so Jesus can heal him. This is such a great story because I think it is what ministry looks like: doing so much work, doing everything we can, so people can have an encounter with Jesus that changes their life.
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What does "If You're Saved, You're Sent" mean to you? God has called every Christian to share the gospel. It doesn't matter who you are, how long you've been saved, or what you've done. God uses every person's story and equips us as we step out in boldness for Him. Students are the best people in the world at sharing the gospel, so we are equipping them and challenging them with phrases.
Monaca White
KIDS & CONNECTIONS PASTOR
Meet Pastor Monaca
What do you love most about working with kids? Their innocence, lack of inhibition, and drive to simply have fun! It’s freeing to be silly, laugh often, and see the world through their eyes. That joy is contagious, and I love carrying it with me into my role as Connections Pastor, where helping adults feel welcomed, seen, and comfortable often starts with a smile and a little fun.
What do you hope every child experiences at The Bridge? I want every child who walks, crawls or is carried into our classrooms to experience the comfort of knowing Jesus as a friend, not just a character to memorize in a Bible story. I want them to feel loved, welcomed, and valued, and to see the love of Jesus through the people who serve and care for them.
Tell us about your family. My husband, Brent, and I have been married since 2002. He enjoys gardening, hunting, fishing, and finding great places to eat. He's caring, thoughtful, and I've always been drawn to his larger-than-life presence! Our daughter, Sky, loves competing in soccer and track and Field at St. Francis High School, snowboarding, and Bridge Youth. She has a kind heart, works hard in everything she does, and she loves caring for her two guinea pigs (Snookie Fritz and Simon) and our micro Pomsky, JoJo.
What's your favorite comfort food? Chicken-fried chicken, mashed potatoes and country gravy, and a big glass of sweet iced tea!
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What is your morning beverage? Coffee Creamer. Some people call it coffee, but let's be honest.
What is your perfect Saturday? Sleep in, sip on coffee, and have breakfast cooked for me. Then, spend the entire day with friends - going for a walk, fishing on a boat, soaking up the sunshine, and ending the day playing Hitster around a patio fireplace with absolutely zero bugs.
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What's your favorite thing about being part of The Bridge family? I love being part of a church that is encouraging, positive, and filled with the Holy Spirit. It honestly feels like home. One of my favorite things is the healthy culture. People genuinely care for one another and are quick to encourage, support, and celebrate each other. The lack of drama is so refreshing, and it creates a place where people can simply grow in their faith and enjoy doing life together.
Bethany Moos
ADMIN PASTOR
Meet Pastor Bethany
What led you into ministry and church leadership? I felt called into ministry while I was in high school and headed to college with the dream of becoming a missionary. After graduation, I was asked to serve as the church secretary at my home church in Milaca. It was there that I discovered God had uniquely wired me for planning, organization, and creativity, and that those gifts are just as vital to the mission of the church as preaching or teaching. Four churches, seven pastors, and nearly twenty years later, I still wake up grateful that I get to serve in ministry.
What does an Administrative Pastor actually do all week? My official title is Administrative Pastor. My unofficial jobs include event planner, graphic designer, bookkeeper (not an accountant, IYKYK), problem solver, tech support, occasional preacher, voice of reason in Pastor Derek’s head, and professional Googler. I love supporting our team and helping all the little pieces come together so people can focus on what matters most: coming alive in Christ. It's not the flashiest role, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
What's your favorite way to spend a day off? I love a good adventure, but my favorite days off are surprisingly simple. A cozy spot at home, a great book, and a cup of coffee are all it takes for me to recharge before jumping back into another busy week.
What book, podcast, or topic are you currently obsessed with? Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. It does such a great job showing how we should look at other people through the lens of kindness and understanding.
What's one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? Most people are surprised to learn that I love planning little adventures. Coffee shop. Bookstore. Random ball of twine. Count me in.
What's your favorite coffee shop order? I love a caramel latte with oat milk and an extra shot of espresso.
What Bible verse has been especially meaningful in your life? 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. – I love that God can take my limited abilities and still impact people.