Name: Steven Frank Peterson

Hometown: Duluth, Minn.

Occupation: Medical doctor (ER physician) and pastor of Invite God Ministries. I have a medical degree, and I am board-certified in family medicine. I graduated from the University of Minnesota. I did my residency in family medicine in Sioux Falls, S.D. I have a four-year master’s of divinity degree from Bethel Seminary in St. Paul Minn. I have a doctorate of ministry degree from the Wagner Leadership Institute (WLI) in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Church affiliation: Presently nondenominational, and I have a ministry called Invite God. We are presently partnering and
supporting Brother Keith Jeffries and Eagles Wings Ministries at 112 E. First St. in Duluth. We have services at 3 p.m. on Sunday at Eagles Wings. We also host evangelistic meetings as led by the Lord.

Age: 57

Married: Yes

Spouse’s name: Lynn who
co-ministers with me.

Kids: (name and ages) Adult
children: Twyla and Nathan

Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, golf, long walks. Lately I have not had time nor opportunity for hunting and golf.

Bible character you are most like and why: Moses, Joshua and Peter. We own the Ten Commandments Monument, and we are seeking city and region transformation. In the year 2000 I heard the Lord say, “You are in the land of Egypt, and I will bring you into the promised land.” I am totally committed to the Lord like Peter but need to die to self and be led by the Spirit of God. I am like Joshua in that I see God bigger than the giants and that we can take the land and see city transformation where God’s glory and presence reigns. I am like Moses in that God has called me to be a leader and God has confirmed it by His words to me and by turning over the 10 Commandments Monument into our hands.

Person most influential in your spiritual life and why: Dr. C. Peter Wagner. The Wagner Leadership Institute taught me how to be a leader. Bethel Seminary did not teach me how to lead. When I left Bethel Seminary, I pastored two churches. I felt confused about my role and then left the full-time ministry. That confusion lifted when I trained under men and women of God at Dr. C. Peter Wagner’s Leadership Institute. Dr. C. Peter Wagner taught both how to lead and how to be accountable.

What issue are you most
concerned about and why? The New Apostolic Reformation as taught by Dr. C. Peter Wagner. Just as Marin Luther led the Protestant Reformation, which was a new wineskin and paradigm or shift of thinking in the church of that day, we are now experiencing a new and greater reformation in the church today throughout the world. The new wineskin is the reformation or restoration of Apostolic and Prophetic ministries (and the fivefold ministry) so that apostles and prophets team up with pastors, teachers and evangelists to cause breakthrough and take the church to a new level of activity to win people, cities, nations and people groups to Jesus and the Kingdom of God so that there is Kingdom thinking and God reigns not only in individual lives but also in all levels of life, society, in cities, nations and people groups.
When and where do you find time to meet with God: In the quiet of the morning, in the shower, on my long walks, alone in the car, during my breaks from the business of life, as I pray and read the word, and especially Sunday mornings as I finish preparing for our services.

What in your spiritual life has surprised you? Each and every day I am surprised by how much God loves me and He reminds me we have all eternity to learn about His awesome love.

Name: Bob Young

Hometown: Beresford, S.D.

Occupation: Football coach and math professor (retired); director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Coaches Ministry for the state of South Dakota (part time).

Church affiliation: Baptist

Age: 68

Married: Yes

Spouse’s name: Diane

Kids: David (47), Steve (45), Jeri (44), Melissa (37)

Hobbies: Golf, watching almost any sport, watching and playing with grandkids and traveling with my wife, Diane.

Bible character you are most like and why: I think probably David because he made a lot of mistakes but God still used him in the Kingdom.

Person most influential in your spiritual life and why: Pastor Roger Fredrikson. Why? I met him while attending the University of Sioux Falls and he was the pastor at First Baptist Church. He really made the Scriptures relevant and applicable to life. He introduced me to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in 1958, which had a major impact on my 41-year career in coaching and now as the director of the Coaching Ministry in South Dakota. I still consider him as a mentor in my life today.

What issue are you most concerned about and why: Spiritual apathy. As a nation founded on Christian principles, I see so many other forces drawing us away from God. Child abuse, pornography and abortion — it breaks my heart, and I’m sure God’s also, to see fun-loving children being used and abused. The war on terrorism — it seems to have no solution at this point because of the spiritual commitment behind the actions of the radicals and the hatred that they have for the United States.

When and where do you find time to meet with God: I find myself more and more meeting with Him all during the day, whether it is the time spent in some devotional material and reading related Scriptures, meeting and praying with coaches early in the morning in Biblical study groups we call huddles, times of study and prayer with our own FCA staff, listening to Christian radio or tapes as I travel and especially listening and worshiping together with others during Sunday and other services.

What in your spiritual life has surprised you: I guess the main thing that has surprised me as I move into my later years of life is the impact and influence that a consistent spiritual life can have on others. I believe that it was Mother Teresa that once said: “Preach the Gospel all the time and if need be use words.” As I went through my life, I adopted the following phrase that characterized my life:
“Inadequate but Faithful.”

Meet Trudy Youngren

Name: Trudy Youngren

Hometown: I live in Hermantown, but grew up in rural South Dakota, near Mitchell.

Occupation: Wife, mother, and administrative assistant at Life 97.3 & Faith 90.5 (KDNW / KDNI)

Church affiliation: Christ Lutheran Church (AALC) in Piedmont Heights.

Age: 47

Married: Yes, happily for 25 years now.

Spouse’s name: Keith

Kids: Maggie (23), Benjamin (20), Alex (19) and Valerie (15)

Hobbies: I enjoy a good long walk, baking, reading, traveling, and more than anything, just being all together with my family.

Bible character you are most like and why: Peter. I relate to his enthusiasm, impulsiveness, and yes, especially his flaws—and I love how God went on to use him is such a powerful way.

Person most influential in your spiritual life and why: Laurel Lufholm, my good friend, neighbor, and walking partner. She invited me to my first Bible study over 20 years ago (the book of John), and has patiently & lovingly mentored me every since. She is also my husband’s first cousin, so we are family, which is fun!

What issue are you most concerned about and why? The decline of the family is probably what I’m most concerned about. It breaks my heart when families are broken, and when the children have so much outside negative influences.
When and where do you find time to meet with God: Early morning prayer time before my day starts, and devotions & prayer at breakfast with my kids before school/work. Evenings with family activities become busy, but it has helped me to be in a challenging Bible study. It has helped keep me disciplined and growing spiritually. I may be stating the obvious, but just shutting off the TV helps give me the time I need to be in the Word.

What in your spiritual life has surprised you? How God continues to
surprise me with His faithfulness, and incredible love for me….His grace. It is humbling.

Living Stone Profile

Name: Mark Pavola

Hometown: Duluth, Minn.

Mark Pavola (left) is the executive director of Youth for Christin Duluth, Minn. Pictured with him is his wife, Andrea.

Occupation: Executive director for Youth for Christ/Encounter

Church affiliation: Lakeview Covenant Church, Duluth, Minn.

Age: 38

Married: Yes

Spouse’s name: Andrea

Children: Andrew, 6; Tirzah, 4; Baby Pavola, coming soon, May 2008

Hobbies: Golf, basketball, fitness

Bible character you are most like and why? Mark – for obvious reasons

Who is most influential in your spiritual life and why? My wife, Andrea. She helped me immensely during a key time in my life, and she currently keeps me very grounded and encouraged.

What issue are you most concerned about and why? The deterioration of the family. It is the foundation that every great society must be built upon. Most adult problems are unresolved childhood issues.

When and where do you find time to meet with God? Two times come to mind -- in the morning before the family gets up, which is crazy early! Also, at random times and places throughout the day.

What in your spiritual life has surprised you? I was convinced it was about what I could do for God, and I’m beginning to realize it’s all about what God wants to do in and through me as I abide in Christ.