Staff

Pastor Jim Von Busch grew up in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago (a life-long Cubs fan). He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, his Master of Arts in Counseling from Idaho State University, his specialized pastoral coursework and colloquy from Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, and Doctorate of Philosophy in Biblical Counseling from Trinity Theological Seminary, Indiana. Pastor Jim has held positions as: youth pastor, associate pastor, solo pastor, school administrator, university faculty, and professional counselor in Idaho, Utah, and
Wyoming.
He loves all aspects of ministry: pastoral care, discipleship, and preaching God’s Word. He is passionate about coaching and equipping God’s people so that they might reach their full potential in Christ. Pastor Jim is married to Teresa, his wonderful partner in life and ministry and together they have two adult children and a son in law who at this time are actively serving the Lord. He also enjoys exercising, drinking coffee, chatting with friends, and construction projects when he has some free time.

Email Pastor Von Busch|  jvonbusch@gracepocatello.org

Pastor Jonathan Dinger grew up in New York City. He graduated with a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis in 1995. He has served as a teacher, a coach, a school administrator and pastor in Washington, Oregon and now in Idaho. He oversaw the  establishment of Grace Lutheran High School -- a long term dream of his. Jonathan is married to Teresa, and together they have two grown children. He enjoys cheering on the Mets and the Seahawks.

Email Pastor Dinger | jdinger@gracepocatello.org

Vicar Jonathan Theander heard the call and is pursuing a second career as a Lutheran Pastor. He and his wife Emma have 2 daughters. They have been supporters of the school and church here at Grace and have enjoyed getting to know the Pocatello community through their local coffee shop.

Email Vicar Theander | jtheander@gracepocatello.org

 

Teresa is an Idaho native. She moved to Portland, Oregon to attend Concordia University. There she met husband Jonathan and received a Director of Christian Education Degree. She has worked in ministry as a youth director, choir director, praise band leader and worship coordinator. Growing up she was her dads camping and fishing buddy. She can make an assortment of pies that Julia Child would be proud of.

Email Teresa | tdinger@gracepocatello.org

Kristina attended Concordia University—Portland, just 45 minutes from her home town of Hillsboro, Oregon.  She spends time  in our school teaching in 6th grade christian studies, keeping up with children's ministry, Life Group ministry and our social media/podcasting ministries. In her free-time she like to play outdoors with her husband Charles and pups, Meshach & Tillie—hiking, rock climbing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding.

Email Kristina | KParker@gracepocatello.org

Jared Ball, also an Idaho native graduated from Concordia University- Portland. Jared is our Contemporary Worship Leader, he moved here right from university to accept the call to work on our campus as our high school science teacher and now full time worship leader. He enjoys playing soccer, working with our high school praise band and exploring Idaho with his wife, Grace and two dogs, Archie & Marvin.

 

Email Jared| JBall@gracepocatello.org

 

Chuck grew up in Pocatello and graduated from Idaho State University with a degree in Biochemistry.  He volunteered  at Grace on the school board and executive council before being hired part-time as Director of Operations.  He currently volunteers with the CARS program helping members of the community with car maintenance and repairs.  He also has his own business and spends his free moments with his wife RaeAnne, daughter Cassidy, and his grandchildren.

Email Chuck | cbuerstatte@gracepocatello.org

Liz is usually the first smiling face you see here in the office and often the first person you'll talk to if you call! She grew up in Pocatello and attended GLS from 1st-7th grade before moving to Indiana for 10 years. There she met her husband and found a love of working in youth ministry. She was a floral designer in Indiana and started her own photography business as well and decided to return to Pocatello to be closer to family. She is now our Office & Financial Secretary and is a leader with our High School Youth Ministry. If you have any questions about how to give or need information on your giving statements, she is more than happy to assist!

Email Liz | lrobinson@gracepocatello.org

Aaron Hayes spent his early life in Northern Montana.  He attended Wheaton College (IL) where he received a Bachelor's in Music History. While receiving a Master's degree in Theology from Liberty University, he became a confessional Lutheran and found his way to Grace in 2010. He plays the French horn in the local symphony along with the occasional piano solo at Grace.  He became a Licensed Deacon in 2014 and also serves on the board of elders as head worship elder.  He serves as the 10th-12th grade theology teacher at our High School and is kept busy by his four young children at home with his wife Jennifer.

Email Aaron: ahayes@gracepocatello.org