Hi, my name is Jeff Naegelen, and I began serving as the lead pastor in January of 2019. Previously, I’ve served as the associate pastor for adult ministries from April 2001 through December 2018, and was the youth pastor from January 1991- to August 1997. It was also a pleasure to serve as the pastor of a church plant in Missouri Valley, Iowa for 4 years, before returning to St. Croix Falls in 2001. The ministry opportunities and the people at Alliance church of the Valley have helped me grow in my faith and walk with Jesus and shaped me to be the person I am today.
They have spurred me on to love and good deeds, and it’s my pleasure to continue serving them while in this new position as lead pastor. It’s been fun to work alongside Chris Folkestad as the youth pastor for the past 10 years, and look forward to our new partnership as he takes on the role of co-lead pastor.
Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota is my alma mater, where I graduated in 1983 with a Bachelors of Religious Education. Prior to that, I received a one-year Bible Certificate from Northwestern College in Roseville. I was an Admissions Counselor for Crown College from 1986 until 1989 before going into youth ministry in Hawaii. I met my wife DeeAnn at Crown College, and thank God for bringing us together. We were married in June of 1991, and have three wonderful children, Josiah (25), Elliana (18), and Hope (15). Our kids have loved attending church at ACV and participating in the various programs offered and the care given by such loving people. This is not only a great place to raise our children, but a great place to serve our Lord and Friend Jesus Christ. I hope you’ll join us, and experience what I’m talking about.
Hi, I am Chris Folkestad, the Co-Lead Pastor at Alliance Church of the Valley. My wife, Katie, and I were both born and raised in Central Minnesota before making the transition to St. Croix Falls. My personal philosophy of ministry is to help others know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, grow in their personal relationships with Him and go and bring this message of hope and salvation to their friends, community and world! I believe strongly in connecting people with Christ and helping them develop their own personal relationship with Him!
Katie and I were married in August of 2003. We graduated from Crown College in 2004, Katie majored in Youth Social Science and Business, and I graduated with a degree in Youth Ministry. We have two great kids, Caden (15) and Avery (12). They have brought so much joy and love to our family. Not to mention the laughs! God has blessed us as we continue to grow closer together. We are excited about our time here at ACV! We believe that the best way to do ministry and life is as a team.
Hi! My name is Brandi Hacken, and I am the Administrative Assistant here at the Alliance Church of the Valley. ACV has been my home church for 17 years now where I have had the pleasure of helping in different ministries throughout the church. I have worked in the nursery, been a listener for AWANA, taught Sunday school, and helped a couple of times at the welcome center. I am so blessed now to be serving the church as the Administrative Assistant.
As a stay-at-home mom, I had been focused on helping strengthen our family’s relationship with Jesus through prayer, Bible study, and above all trusting in God (it is in those moments we see how much the Lord loves us). Currently, my favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord Always, I say it again Rejoice!” It reminds me to have joy even in the hard times because I know I am getting stronger.
I met my husband, Brian in high school, and we have been married since 2006. We now have two amazing children: Charlisia (13) and Marshal (9). When we aren’t bringing the kiddos to one of their many activities, we are homebodies. We enjoy getting cozy on the couch and watching movies, doing puzzles, and playing board games and video games. If you ever have any questions, please let me know and I will do my best to find you the answer. Can’t wait to meet you!