Youth Ministry Staff
Jason Bowker, Director of Youth Ministries
"The students in the ministry cannot believe Jason can bench press 385lbs and once beat Kobe Bryant in one-on-one. They also can’t fathom how he can afford a summer home on Miami Beach with a youth minister’s salary. Jason simply tells them to check him out on the MTV show ‘Cribs’ and they will see for themselves."
Actually, Jason graduated from the University of Sioux Falls with a bachelor’s degree in Theology & Philosophy and has attended 3 semesters at North American Baptist Seminary. He is taking some time off of seminary but looks forward to returning to his studies in the future when he can really devote his time and energy to his studies.
Jason has a passion for youth ministry, for teaching the Bible, and for worship music. He has loved working with the students and adults at Asbury and looks forward to continuing to grow in the coming years.
High school Leaders
Tim Stroh
Tim enjoys long walks on the beach & couldn’t live without pickles, but also is amazing with students, has a deep passion for ministry, and can make anyone laugh at any given time.
Neal Martinmaas
Neal is a sensitive guy. He is constantly getting picked on, especially by Jason. People have to be careful or Neal will be forced to go through an entire box of Kleenex while drying his eyes. Seriously, though, Neal is an incredibly hard-working, fun-loving man who is passionate about his faith, his family, and youth ministry. Neal is incredibly reliable and will always go the extra mile.
Tammy Remillard
Tammy is a legend in youth ministry around these parts. People say she has been working in youth ministry since BEFORE she was born. Tammy spends so much time working with kids she has yet to figure out how to send an email without using ALL CAPS LOCK. When it comes down to it though, Tammy is incredible. She has had an impact on countless youth in her time in youth ministry and has now outlived about 3 or 4 youth pastors. She is a rock for Asbury Youth Ministries.
Kelly Perez
Kelly is always bragging about her amazing bed. Her bed is a racecar bed, but it is a sweet racecar bed. She is very busy chasing around her three kids, Jessica, Hannah, and Manuel (actually her husband). Kelly is an awesome mom who loves kids, loves growing in her own faith, and has a passion for helping students growing in their faith.
Middle School Leaders
Bill Kolbrek
Bill enjoys cuddling up with a good book and drinking Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup straight from the jug. Actually, Bill is an outdoor guy to the core and loves hanging with middle schoolers. He is an unbelievable asset to the middle school ministry, which could not do without him.
Dori Nelson
Dori has very little energy all the time. The kids in her Sunday School class are constantly waking her up as she falls asleep even while she is talking. Actually, Dori is a spunky, fun-loving mom who has brought immense energy and enthusiasm to Asbury Youth Ministries. She is a fantastic teacher and always seems to bring the Bible alive for her class. Life is never dull with Dori around.
Lyle Schmidt
Lyle has served as the president and CEO of a flourishing maple syrup company for the past 6 years but actually enjoys putting ketchup on all that he eats. On a serious note, Lyle is a great Sunday School teacher who is well respected by his students and everyone in the church. We are blessed to have his help.
Martha Brandt
Martha is a die-hard fan of the 1980’s Christian metal band Stryper. She can often be seen wearing yellow and black spandex and high 1980’s hair. Go ‘Yellow & Black Attack.’ Actually, Martha is a huge help in Asbury Youth Ministries. She leads the 8th grade confirmation class and has a huge passion for ministry in general, demonstrated by her willingness to help in any area she is needed.
