our Staff.

Maple Grove’s staff members delight in serving God and the church. Our primary role is not to run programs as much as it is to provide opportunities for people to experience God’s work in their lives and to participate in what God is doing in the world. Stand ready to serve you in whatever ways we’re able.

  • Rich Theilen

    Lead Pastor

    Pastor Rich Theilen grew up in the Twin Cities, graduated from Minnehaha Academy, earned a degree in economics from St. Olaf College, and spent several years in the oil industry.  After sensing God’s call to ministry, he went on to graduate from Bethel Seminary and has served churches in Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and British Columbia, Canada.  He also holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Sioux Falls Seminary, has served in many professional and community leadership roles, and taught theology at Solid Rock School of Discipleship.

    His wife, Cheryl, is a native of Wooster, Ohio, a graduate of North Park University, and serves as director of administration for the Northwest Conference of the Covenant Church.  They have one daughter who is an elementary school teacher.


    In their “free time” they enjoy spending time at their farm in Southwest Minnesota, attending theater and other events, visiting family and friends, playing with their dog Katie, and traveling in North America and Europe.

  • ROMEL DHAR

    WORSHIP DIRECTOR

    Born and raised in Nagaland, India, Romel now calls Minnesota home. He gave his heart to Jesus at a young age, and it changed his life forever. Romel is passionate about discipling and mentoring young worship leaders through the gift the Lord has blessed him with. He served Youth With A Mission (YWAM) for 7 years in the worship ministry and has since lead worship at various churches and organizations. Romel joined the MGCC family on staff in the summer of 2022 and considers it a privilege to be able to serve this great community. 

     

    Romel is thankful for and blessed with an 8-year-old daughter, Vivonuo. She is kind, beautiful, and compassionate. Romel enjoys spending time with her, going to coffee shops, working out, taking long walks, traveling the world, exploring new places, cooking, and trying new recipes. 

  • Kendre Pust

    Administrative Assistant

    A graduate of Cooper High School, Kendre Pust is a lifelong resident of the Twin Cities and brings a wealth of experience in church and non-profit administration to her role at Maple Grove Covenant Church. One of her first jobs out of college was working at the church she grew up in, where she discovered her deep passion for serving others and supporting the community.


    Kendre holds a Bachelor’s in Business Management from Rasmussen University and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Northwestern St. Paul. She enjoys ensuring that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, supporting the team, and helping the church flourish.


    Outside of work, Kendre is an avid Minnesota Lynx fan, loves watching sports, reading, cooking, attending local theater, and cherishing time with friends and family.