STAFF & LEADERS

THE SURPRISE ELDER TEAM

Surprise Church’s Board of Elders are empowered to oversee our mission to be a church that leaves the building. Along with Lead Pastor Matt Anderson, approved Elders include Janel Schmitz (President), Jamie Ressler (Vice President), and Brady Feiring (Our fifth and final Elder role is currently in transition).  Please keep each of them in your prayers as they move forward in this important role at Surprise!

THE SURPRISE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Surprise Church - Bismarck ND - Leadership Team
Surprise Church - Bismarck ND - Pastor Matt Anderson and family

Matt Anderson

Lead Pastor

A former college athlete, Matt is an author, speaker, pastor, leadership coach, and all around nice guy. He is a lover of good steak and an enemy of mosquitoes. Matt and his wife, Lacee have three children, who look for ways to give their dad gray hair each day.

Surprise Church - Bismarck ND - Ann Hagerott

Ann Hagerott

Discipleship Director

Ann is simply the best. She is passionate about building communities of people who love one another like family, grow in their love of Jesus, and change the world.  She brings a wealth of wisdom and a heart to help people thrive.

Surprise Church - Bismarck ND - Dave Wisham

Dave Wisham

Worship Director

A jack of all trades, there is literally nothing that Dave can’t figure out and do well, including leading our worship team on Sundays! Dave has become our worship leader after serving many years as a volunteer band member. He is excited to help musicians grow into their gifts and to develop our church’s commitment to worship God!

Surprise Church - Bismarck ND - Cyndi Smith

Cyndi Smith

Care Coordinator

Cyndi has a knack for cheering people on. A member of one of our thriving Community Groups for married couples, she has embraced the role of leading our efforts to care for people at Surprise. She’ll be developing a “care team” of people who share her heart for people, and she’ll be the first point of contact when Surprise community members have needs or prayer requests. 

Surprise Church - Bismarck ND - Barb Antoine

Barb Antoine

Family Ministries Director

Barb is a human magnet that everyone loves to be around. She loves kids and leads our team of amazing volunteers in order to support families. Every Sunday at Surprise, Barb makes sure that kids experience a sense of belonging and leave with a bright smile on their face. Barb has also led a Community Group in her home, where many families have found meaningful relationships and grown in their faith. 

Surprise Church - Bismarck ND - JR Kasper

JR Kasper

Operations Director

After serving as a tireless volunteer and leader at Surprise, JR has agreed to oversee our operations as director. He’ll bring order to our internal systems and coordinate with our Stewardship Team to manage and oversee our fiscal priorities. JR and his wife Jeannie are a rich blessing to Surprise Church. 

Surprise Church - Bismarck ND - Amanda Cavette

Amanda Cavette

Admin Assistant

Amanda helps our team to stay organized and effective. She often works quietly behind the scenes, but she makes a huge difference!