ANNOUNCING...

We are excited to unveil the new Higher Things logo!

What the new logo and look is all about . . .

  • The Fish: The symbolism of fish in Christianity comes with multiple layers. 

    • Scripture: The Bible is full of fish stories from Jonah to Jesus calling his disciples and feeding the 5,000 with a few fish and loaves of bread. Jesus famously chooses the story of Jonah in the fish as a sign for his death and resurrection.

    • The Ancient Church: Fish also take us back to the persecuted ancient church in the 2nd century. Christians would draw fish because they would be killed for wearing or using crosses. It was used as a secret symbol to identify one another. 

    • ICHTHUS: Fish are also a Greek acrostic with theological meaning that is transliterated in English as ICHTHUS. Each letter is a confession: Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. It’s all about Jesus. 

    • Baptism: The fish are also an ancient symbol of baptism. We are baptized. Dead to sin. Alive to Christ. 

    • We are the Fish: Jesus made a promise to His apostles that they would be fishers of men, and we get to be the fish. Christianity is not defined by your pledges, promises, and efforts, only your death.

  • The Stained-Glass Window: You are in the church now, showing up where the Church gathers. Sitting under stained glass, singing hymns, you have a place to fit. The net. The church. Where your sins are forgiven. Where you are brought to Jesus and hauled up.

  • The Cross: Embedded at the top of the window is the Cross, where our redemption was won with Christ’s holy, precious, and innocent blood.

  • Counter-Cultural: By holding to the historic Christian faith and our Lutheran liturgical heritage, we swim against the culture in the world, as shown by one fish swimming in the opposite direction and one whose tail is twitching outside the confines of the element.

OUR MISSION

The mission of Higher Things is to make the Gifts of Christ Jesus known to youth and young adults.
Learn more about the Mission of Higher Things

OUR HISTORY

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God...

Learn more about our history

OUR TEAM

Board of directors

President

Rev. Randy Sturzenbecher

Rev. Joel Fritsche

Rev. John Pless

Becky Clausen

Anthony Pellegrini
Vice President

Rev. Jeffery Ware
Secretary

Rev. Eli Lietzau

President

Rev. Randy Sturzenbecher

Pastor Randy Sturzenbecher graduated with a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 2001. He loves to preach and catechize the youth with our Gospel hope and baptismal identity. Pastor Sturzenbecher has supported the youth of the South Dakota District as chair of the District Youth Board and as pastoral advisor for Black Hills Lutheran School. He has been a Higher Things conference catechist, chaplain, and plenary speaker. He is currently first vice-president of the South Dakota District and the district’s Higher Things confirmation and youth retreat coordinator. Pastor Sturzenbecher serves the saints of Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church and School, Black Hawk, SD. Pastor Sturzenbecher is married to Vonda. They have two children.

Rev. Joel Fritsche

Rev. Joel Fritsche was born and raised in Houston, TX. He graduated from Concordia University Nebraska in 1996 with a Bachelor’s Degree in music. He graduated from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in 2000. He has served parishes in Wyoming, Texas, and Illinois and was on staff at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. As a missionary in the Dominican Republic since 2015, Pastor Fritsche serves as a church planter and director of Concordia Seminary the Reformer, teaching courses in Greek and Hebrew. He is married to Clarion and has three boys adopted from Russia (Viktor, Sergei, and Andrei). Pastor Fritsche has served on the board of directors for Higher Things since 2007.

Rev. John Pless

John T. Pless was born in Hickory, NC, to John A. and Betty Pless. He is a graduate of Texas Lutheran College in Seguin, TX (B.A in Theology and Philosophy), and Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, OH (Master of Divinity). He entered the ministry of The Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod by colloquy in 1983. From 1979-1983 he was on the pastoral staff at the Chapel of the Resurrection at Valparaiso University. He served as campus pastor at University Lutheran Chapel in Minneapolis from 1983-2000 when he was called to the faculty of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN where he serves as assistant professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions and the director of field education. He was awarded an honorary doctorate (D.Lit.) by Concordia University- Chicago in 2018.

Becky Clausen

As a life-long Lutheran, Becky accepted the Higher Things Dare to be Lutheran challenge by pushing her chips “all in” and driving to Vegas in 2011 to attend Coram Deo with her youth and best friend. Four days of worship, education, relationship, and fun brought together with the clarity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was not going to stay in Vegas! She brought home the many resources Higher Things offers and integrated them into her everyday life. As a group leader, Becky attended yearly conferences until 2018 when HT invited her to use her event coordinator background to serve as a conference entertainment coordinator. In 2019, Becky was elected to serve as a lay member of the Higher Things board of directors. Becky fills her seat as a catechized Lutheran. She has no formal theological education, but listens and contributes with the heart of a “parent.” Considering fellow Higher Things parents like her, Becky seeks to further develop opportunities for youth to hear and ask questions about Jesus.

Anthony Pellegrini

Anthony Pellegrini and his wife, Kimberley, reside in Marysville, WA.

He is an established business professional who brings a diverse background to his leadership role in HT. His experience includes business management, finance, real estate, and manufacturing technology. Anthony holds degrees in Business Management and Manufacturing Technology. After spending over 20 years in manufacturing management and operations, Anthony made a pivotal career move in 2016. He left his engineering operations position at Boeing to focus on his own business ventures and investment opportunities.

Anthony is a business owner and manages an extensive personal real estate portfolio. Additionally, he serves as an advisor to multiple other corporations, leveraging his expertise to drive growth and success.

When not immersed in the business world, Anthony enjoys spending quality time with his family. Traveling, skiing, hiking, and playing the drums are among his favorite activities. Anthony and Kimberley are proud parents of eight children and five grandchildren.

Anthony is a member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Marysville, WA. Anthony holds several leadership roles within the congregation, including president, youth leader, and Sunday school teacher.

Vice President

Rev. Jeffery Ware

Pastor Jeffrey W. Ware is a graduate of Concordia University, Irvine, CA (B.A.) and of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN (M-Div.).  He served his vicarage at Living Word Lutheran Church, The Woodlands, TX, and was later called there as Assistant Pastor.  During that time he specialized in youth and young adult ministry, outreach, and service to the homebound.  He also served briefly as a deployed mission pastor for Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Houston, TX. His theological interests are primarily in the realm of “practical ministry” including catechesis, pastoral care, homiletics, and liturgics.

Pastor Ware enjoys spending time with his family outdoors, camping, hiking, and fishing.  He is also an avid home chef and home brewer.

Secretary

Rev. Eli Lietzau

Simul iustus et peccator Rev. Eli Lietzau received his bachelor’s degree in history and theology from Concordia Seward in 2004. After graduating from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne with his M-Div in 2010 he served the saints at Faith in Christ Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NM. While serving in Albuquerque, he and his wife, Joy, were graciously blessed with four amazing children. In 2010, he accepted the call to be the pastor at Wheat Ridge Ev. Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO. He has been blessed to serve there ever since. In what little free time he can find, Rev. Lietzau enjoys coaching his children’s soccer and basketball teams, relaxing with his wife and family, and pretending to do the podcast “The Uncultured Saints” for Higher Things.

executive team

Business Executive

Rebekah Jenkins
Executive Director of Development and Marketing

Patrick Sturdivant
Executive Director of Mission and Theology

Rev. Harrison Goodman
Executive Director of Operations

Crysten Sanchez

Business Executive

Rebekah Jenkins

Becky, as the Business Executive for Higher Things, uses her prior experience in banking to ensure the business side runs smoothly so that the Gospel can be boldly proclaimed. Attending HT conferences as a youth and serving as a CCV reinforced her understanding of the Gospel and Christ Crucified. Since having children of her own, she further understands the need for the organization’s mission to provide the Word and Sacraments to youth.

Executive Director of Development and Marketing

Patrick Sturdivant

Patrick is the Executive Director of Development and Marketing for Higher Things. Involved with the organization since he was a youth attendee in the early 2000s, Patrick understands the important role that Higher Things can play in instilling a love for the Gospel in a young person. As the Executive Director of Development and Marketing, Patrick’s goal is to cultivate the organization’s communication and support network to continue this mission into the future.

Executive Director of Mission and Theology

Rev. Harrison Goodman

Chief of sinners. Child of God. Pastor Harrison Goodman preaches Christ crucified as a light that shines in darkness and a hope for the hopeless. As Executive Director of Mission and Theology, he helps to make these same gifts known online by employing the many voices and talents of our brothers and sisters in Christ. He believes that while the internet cannot replace Word and Sacrament ministry, it doesn’t need to try. He shapes HT content to point youth and young adults toward the gifts given in your sanctuary.

Executive Director of Operations

Crysten Sanchez

Crysten has served as the Event Executive for Higher Things since 2019, but has been blessed to work for HT in one way or another since 2010. While also working as a youth coordinator through those years, Crysten solidified her opinion on youth: They aren’t given as much credit as they deserve, and we “grown ups” can learn just as much from them as they can learn from us. That really forms her mindset while planning, refining, and nit-picking Higher Things events into perfection in order to serve those youth through life-giving worship, mind-growing teaching, and relationship-building fun.

staff

Assistant Video Editor

George Borghardt IV
Registrar

Deac. Emma Heinz
Bible Study Editor

Sarah Longmire
Cantor

Paul Soluek
Business Assistant

Theresa Wendorff
Assistant Webmaster

Amelia Pearson
Executive Assistant

Shannon Wascher
Catechesis Coordinator

Rev. Daniel Voth
Development Coordinator

Elizabeth McClain
Conference Coordinator

Rachel Rizzuto
Worship Coordinator

Rev. James Douthwaite

Assistant Video Editor

George Borghardt IV

George is the Assistant Video Editor for Higher Things. He began his involvment in Higher Things as a youth attendee in the early 2010s. Growing up around the organization has shown George the importance of the Gospel being preached to youth and young adults, and he continues to work to make sure content is edited and produced to achieve the goal of delivering that Gospel.

Registrar

Deac. Emma Heinz

Emma serves as the Registrar for Higher Things. Though her involvement with Higher Things has only recently begun, she has long admired the mission of Higher Things and its vital role in the spiritual formation of the youth and young adults of the church. She believes that the traditions of the church are a great gift that must be shared for generations, as through them, we see Christ crucified and His love for sinners. As the registrar for HT, Emma seeks to provide grace-filled service to all and loves the behind-the-scenes work, knowing that God works even these small things into good for those who love Him.

Bible Study Editor

Sarah Longmire

As a Baptized Child of God, Deaconess Sarah Longmire loves sharing Jesus’ mercy and love with her neighbors. As the Bible Study Editor for Higher Things, she gets to write and develop Gospel-centered lessons for youth to hear and learn about their Savior. Thanks be to God!

Cantor

Paul Soluek

Cantor Paul Soulek, a hotdish loving Minnesota native, serves at St. John Lutheran Church and School in Seward, NE, where he plays the organ, directs vocal and instrumental ensembles, and all the other things cantors usually do. He teaches courses in organ and church music at Concordia University, NE, where he also directs the Male Chorus. When not making music, Paul enjoys spending time with family and friends, undertaking home renovations, and enjoying the natural wonders of Nebraska. He is a graduate of Concordia Nebraska (bachelor’s, 2007) and Concordia Chicago (master’s, 2015).

Business Assistant

Theresa Wendorff

Theresa serves as Business Assistant and assists with the details on the business side of Higher Things. She holds a Masters of Accounting Degree and enjoys serving the church through this work, enabling the Christ-centered mission of HT to be proclaimed and for all to believe that Christ’s death and resurrection was for each and every one of us. Theresa, a lifelong Lutheran, is married to a pastor and works the day shift as a stay at home mom.

Assistant Webmaster

Amelia Pearson

Amelia is the Assistant Webmaster for Higher Things. She is a student at Biola University and the Torrey Honors College where she is studying political science and math. She hopes to combine these into a cyber defense role someday. Amelia was introduced to Higher Things in 2013 and has attended every conference she could since then. She loves Higher Thing’s Christ-centered mission and considers it an honor to help share the bits and bytes that bring good news to the world. Amelia loves hiking, fly fishing, and baking elaborate cakes.

Executive Assistant

Shannon Wascher

Shannon is the Executive Assistant. She grew up in a town of 450 with TWO Lutheran churches…everyone was Lutheran! She was introduced to Higher Things in 2016 while attending conferences as a youth group leader, and she couldn’t wait to someday become part of the Higher Things team. With three teens and tweens of her own, Shannon enjoys helping bring new content to youth to share what Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior has done for each and every one of us. Her hope is that the Holy Spirit will guide and strengthen their faith with each HT video, podcast, or Bible study they encounter.

Catechesis Coordinator

Rev. Daniel Voth

Rev. Daniel Christian Voth has been a pastor for over 25 years serving in Wisconsin and North Dakota, currently serving as pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, North Dakota since 2016. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Land Use Planning from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and worked in both the public and private sector before attending Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN where he earned his Master of Divinity degree. Pastor Voth is married to his wife, Crystal, of 27 years and raised four wonderful children who have blessed them with three grandchild. In his spare time, he enjoys being outside when the North Dakota weather permits, spending time with family and friends, and reading good theology books.

Development Coordinator

Elizabeth McClain

Elizabeth is excited to serve the mission of Higher Things as Development Assistant.  Introduced to Higher Things as a parent chaperone, Elizabeth was immediately reassured of Higher Things’ commitment to making the Gifts of Christ Jesus known in a uniquely Lutheran way.  Elizabeth brings career experience from the professional fundraising and sales sectors and is now thankful to serve as a lay member of the HT staff.  In her free time, Elizabeth is happiest with her husband Ken, attending their kids’ activities, or traveling to the Dominican Republic with her home congregation (St Matthew Lee’s Summit, MO) for short-term mission trips.

Conference Coordinator

Rachel Rizzuto

Rachel serves as the Conference Coordinator for Higher Things. Rachel’s experience with Higher Things started by attending conferences as a youth and she eventually began to volunteer for a conference each summer. Rachel believes that Higher Things holds a special place to proclaim Christ’s gifts to youth and young adults and her prayer is that the youth will treasure the rich history and beneficial traditions that have been passed down which proclaim and give Christ for you. Rachel has a Bachelor’s degree in Church History from Colorado Christian University. In her free time, you can find Rachel reading, baking, on one of her many church history rants, or going on outdoor adventures with her husband.

Worship Coordinator

Rev. James Douthwaite

Child of God, husband of Laurie, father of three wonderful blessings, Pastor Douthwaite and his family have been participants at Higher Things for many years. One of the great joys of his ministry is working with high school and college students. Liturgical and Sacramental theology is a particular interest of study in which he has earned advanced degrees. He is the Pastor of Saint Athanasius Lutheran Church and Hope Lutheran Mission, located in Virginia, just west of Washington, DC. He is an avid bike rider and racer, a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies (where he grew up), and loves soft pretzels, cheesesteaks, and donuts!