(left to right)
Ross Murray, Co-Director--Youth Development and Finanical Development
Brad Froslee, Camping Director
Jay Wiesner, Co-Director--Youth Programming and Development
The Rev. Jay Wiesner - Pastoral Director
Jay received his MDiv. degree from Wartburg Seminary and his BA from Concordia College. He has worked with youth ranging from elementary to college age while serving camps, churches, and colleges. Currently, Jay is a co-pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church (where The Naming Project is located). Jay uses his pastoral care skills with the youth who visit The Naming Project, as well as keeping contact with several youth via email. Jay enjoys especially working with people who have felt excluded by the church in the past.
Ross Murray - Program Director
Ross holds a BA in Youth & Family Ministry from Augsburg College and a MA in Outreach & Discipleship from Luther Seminary. He has worked with youth and families in rural parishes, camps, multicultural urban congregations, college campuses, and has presented models of youth & family ministry all over the country. As the Program Director, Ross is responsible for communication, programming, and development of the programs of The Naming Project. Ross is especially interested in helping youth cultivate a wholisic identity that includes sexuality and spirituality.
The Rev. Brad Froslee - Camp Director
Brad received his MDiv. from Harvard University and his BA from St. Olaf College. He has been active in work with youth and youth education with program such as 4-H and his church youth group. Brad serves as pastor of St. Luke Presbyterian Church in Minnetonka, MN. Brad is passionate about developing a place of faith and acceptance for ALL people, young and old, gay and straight, all social backgrounds. Brad is excited to be developing a camping program that will foster an atmosphere where youth and young adults can talk openly about their faith journeys and their understandings of who they are as sexual beings.
The Naming Project is served by an amazing Board of Directors. They include:
Chris Carr, Youth Director in Buffalo, MN
Brad Laudert, Member of Bethany Lutheran Church; Detention Deputy for Hennepin County Sherriffs Dept.
The Rev. Nancy Maeker, Bishops Associate, St. Paul Area Synod, ELCA
Betty Schreuder, Member of Bethany Lutheran Church; Board of Directors for Lutherans Concerned/North America
Marilyn Sharpe, Director of Christian Parenting and Intergenerational Ministry, Youth & Family Institute
Amy Skare, Community education for the Richfield School District
In addition, a number of carefully screened volunteers work with the youth of The Naming Project. These volunteers are people who care about nurturing and caring for young people as they go through the experiences of growing up and dealing with sexuality. If you are interested in volunteering with The Naming Project, please contact us at staff@thenamingproject.org.