The Saskatchewan Synod is delighted to have a group of wonderful leaders in the synod who have stepped forward and accepted the responsibilities and roles of assistant to the bishop in each of the five Ministry Areas that make up our synod. We give thanks to God for their willingness to serve in this capacity. Their brief biographies give us a brief glimpse of who each of them is, and what specific gifts they bring to these positions. Please keep them in your prayers as they continue to serve the people of Saskatchewan.
REV. SHELDON GATTINGER NORTHERN MINISTRY AREA
Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Sheldon grew up in a close-knit environment where values of compassion and service were deeply ingrained. Early on, Sheldon demonstrated a love for teamwork and perseverance, qualities that shone through
playing semi-professional lacrosse and during a brief but memorable period playing junior hockey with the Vernon Lakers in the early 1990’s. This experience taught lessons in discipline and collaboration that would later shape Sheldon’s approach to leadership and ministry.
Sheldon’s journey into pastoral ministry was guided by a profound sense of purpose. Today, he serves as pastor at Zion, North Battleford—a congregation known for its warmth and inclusivity. Under Sheldon’s leadership, Zion has embraced a vision of being a “courageous church,” one that welcomes change while remaining rooted in faith. Worship at Zion is not just a ritual, it is a vibrant expression of community, enriched by thoughtful sermons and creative liturgical planning. At the heart of Sheldon’s story is a simple yet profound belief: leadership is service. Through faith, advocacy, and creativity, Sheldon Gattinger continues to shape lives and communities, leaving a legacy of courage and care that will endure for generations.
DEACON GRETCHEN PETERSON SASKATOON MINISTRY AREA
Gretchen Peterson (she/her) lives in Saskatoon on Treaty 6 territory and the homeland of the Métis with her arborist husband Andrew, hockey-playing teenageboy Karsten and sweet kitty cat, Luna. She loves to be outside in nature, no matter what the season, and is often called upon by her friends to identify local birds just by their songs. She also loves to knit, read and spend time with friends. She has worked in youth ministry for over 20 years and is currently serving as assistant to the National Bishop in youth and leadership.
REV. KAREN STEPKO EASTERN MINISTRY AREA
Karen Stepko grew up on a grain farm near Cando and later obtained her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Saskatchewan. Following her initial career at a residence for at-risk female youth in Saskatoon, she pursued a call to ordained ministry at the Lutheran Theological Seminary Saskatoon.
During Karen’s studies, she had the opportunity to serve in the Eastern Synod as a summer student at Christ the King, Saubel Falls, ON, and to intern in the BC Synod at St. Paul’s, Prince Rupert. However, following her graduation in 2013, Karen felt called to remain in Saskatchewan and accepted a call to Christ, Rhein, where she has served for the past 12 years. She is also on the board of The Soup Haven, which provides free school lunches for children in and around Yorkton, was elected to the Court of Appeal at the 2025 National Convention and currently represents the ELCIC on the Canadian Council of Churches Sexual Exploitation Working Group.
REV. DENNIS HENDRICKSEN REGINA MINISTRY AREA
Dennis Hendricksen was born and raised in Brooks, Alberta. After high school, he attended Camrose Lutheran College, and then the University of Alberta, attaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. He then went on to graduate from Lutheran Theological Seminary Saskatoon with a Master of Divinity degree in 1986.
That same year, he was one of the first to be ordained in the newly-formed ELCIC. He began serving Christ, Regina as an assistant pastor on a three-person team with Orville Kaminsky and Bob Leeson. He still serves at Christ now, having been called to the position of lead pastor following the death of Rev. Leesonin 2013. Other colleagues from Christ’s pastoral team over the years are Carla Blakley and Lynn Robertson. Dennis has also taught a Christian Ethics call at Luther College since 1991. Dennis recently completed his work for a Doctor of Worship Studies degree (DWS) from the Robert E. Webbed Institute for Worship Studies.
Dennis is married to Beth, and they have three adult children. They also have a granddaughter Celine, in whom they delight. Dennis is known in Regina for his involvement in the music community, most notably for his activity in jazz groups. He is an avid photographer and is always involved in creative ventures of one kind or another.
REV. DR. GREG KIEL
SOUTHERN MINISTRY AREA
Greg Kiel is ordained and has served in the ELCIC for thirty years. He is the senior pastor at St. Olaf, Swift Current, and has been there for 18 years. He now serves halftime. The remainder of his time is spent at his farm near Mossbank, Saskatchewan pursuing his hobbies. He has three children and four grandchildren and looks forward to serving with Bishop Ali and the other four assistants to the bishop to help promote the Saskatchewan Synod and its mission.
—Bios submitted by S. Gattinger, G. Peterson, K. Stepko, D. Hendricksen, G. Kiel
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