Pastor Nate Bourman
LEAD PASTOR
Q: How did you become a pastor?
A: As I grew up, I always wanted to be a teacher. Along the way, people in my life encouraged me to think about being a pastor. In many ways, I just fell into it. Now, I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’ve been a pastor here at Mount Lebanon since 2018 and can’t imagine going anywhere else.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being a pastor?
A: That’s a tough question for me to answer. I love opening up the Bible to people so that the light goes on for them. That happens in all kinds of settings - one-on-one, and even in a sermon. But, if I have to pick, I love sipping on a cup of coffee to talk about Jesus, his Word, and your life. I would be glad to buy you a cup of coffee, to get to know you, and walk with you into God’s Word.
Q: What do you do when you aren’t doing pastor stuff?
A: I really enjoy camping with my family. We have a big crew, so it takes quite a bit of work. But, we love that. I have also really started to enjoy CrossFit.
Q: Tell us about your family.
A: My wife, Ruth, and I have been married since 2002 and have richly enjoyed our life together. We have five children and also are thankful to serve other kids and their families as foster parents.
Q: What is something unique about you?
A: Health and fitness has always been an important part of my life. I learned early in my ministry that physical fitness, while it is no substitute for spiritual health, is a vital part of my service to God and other people. Along the way, I participated in Ironman Triathlons.
(414) 210-6167 | pastornb@mtlebanonluth.org
Pastor Chris Johnson
MISSION AND SCHOOL PASTOR
Q: How did you become a pastor?
A: I always say that God robbed me of my dream for my life, to give me His dream. My senior year in high school, my dream was to run for a Big 10 university. I was being heavily recruited by many colleges and universities, but I had a scholarship offer to Michigan State University, which I hadn’t accepted yet. Towards the end of my indoor track season, I sprained my ankle severely and was in a cast for 6 weeks. Just after I got my cast off, I sprained it again - just three days later. My senior outdoor season was pretty much ruined. The coach from Michigan State called me to tell me that because of being injury-prone, he had given my scholarship to someone else. I was devastated! About that time, I had the chance to experience a taste of ministry with a local pastor, and God showed me that pastoral ministry was my calling. I have never looked back. Thank you God, for robbing me of my dream to give me yours!
Q: What is your favorite thing about being a pastor?
A: Jesus always meets us where we are and loves us too much to leave us there. That’s why I love sharing the good news of Jesus with others in a variety of settings - especially, over a cup of coffee. Over the past few years, I’ve especially discovered that I enjoy sharing Jesus with children and with families. If you would like to connect over a cup of coffee or are a family who is looking for peace and hope, please reach out.
Q: What do you do when you aren’t doing pastor stuff?
A: I love hanging out with my family, whether it’s up at our family cabin, going for walks with my wife, playing basketball with my kids, or family vacation adventures. I also love building things and helping others.
Q: Tell us about your family.
A: My wife and I have been married for over 25 years and God has blessed us with four wonderful boys. God has richly blessed our two oldest sons with amazing wives, as well. We have loved to serve Jesus and volunteer as a family in a variety of ways over the years.
Q: What is something unique about you?
A: I love to coach cross country, basketball, and track. I love coaching kids, my own included, in so much more than just the aspects of the game. I always teach the kids to “work hard, have fun, help your team, and honor God, and that if you strive to do those four things the best you can, then no matter what the outcome is, you’ve won in the only things that truly matter.”
(920) 660-2698 | pastorcj@mtlebanonluth.org