Asbury Staff

Peter Peterson Senior Pastor pastorpete@asburymethodist.org

Ryan Christenson Associate Pastor rchristenson@asburymethodist.org

Greetings! I am excited to serve Asbury as Associate Pastor. I’m now into my second year serving at Asbury, and I look forward to helping people hear what God is calling us to be and to do. As Associate Pastor, my primary responsibilities include youth and young adults, marriages and pre-marital counseling, worship planning, caring ministries, teaching the DISCIPLE Bible study, and preaching the occasional sermon.

I originally come from Hartley, Iowa, and lived most recently in North Carolina while I attended Duke Divinity School (go Blue Devils!). While Duke had outstanding faculty and a community of pastors-to-be, I fell in love with the Smokey Mountains. Occasionally, you will find my mind wandering through the mountain paths I visited quite regularly. While in North Carolina, I had the opportunity to be a student pastor at three different churches, ranging from a suburban, 3000-member church to a rural, 60-member church. I have spent much of my ministry working with youth and young adults, and I have a strong interest in preaching and engaging worship. Even more than that, I hope to help people engage in life-transforming experiences that change them and change the world.

My parents still live in Hartley, Iowa, yet they seem to always be on the road visiting family or serving with NOMADS. My brother, Stuart, and his family live in Rochester, Minnesota. Brent, my other brother, is recently married and living in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Marnia Crawford Christian Education Director mcrawford@asburymethodist.org

Hi! My name is Marnia Crawford. I have been the Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministry since April of 2002. I could give you a list of what I do, but it would be a shorter list of what I don't do. I don't preach, write sermons, baptize, confirm, or any of those wonderful things that Pastors do. But I do have to watch out for those four words that are in my contract - "Other responsibilities as assigned". Those four words usually lead to something I never expected to be doing.

I have lived in Webster City since birth, except for the year I attended college in Ankeny, IA. I have been married for 22 years as of May, 2006, and we have a daughter, Kayla, who is 16. I enjoy being with people as they grow in their faith, because I grow along with them.

My favorite scripture is Phillipians 4:6. I can at times, be a worrier and fretter, so this helps me remember God's hand is in everything, and God usually takes care of things...when I ask Him.

Deb Haren Buildings and Grounds Supervisor dharen@asburymethodist.org

Hello, I’m Debbie Haren, the Buildings and Grounds Maintenance Supervisor here at Asbury. I will help you with your meetings, parties, and general upkeep of the church.

I have lived in Webster City for nearly 40 years, so you probably know me. I have three children, ages 15, 16, and 28. Two are still at home keeping me busy as a mom and taxi driver for all their activities.

I have a great love for the Lord, so I try to be helpful around the church by leading Beginnings classes, joining the Praise Team, and helping people in need.