Our Leadership
Pastor, Jay Steele
In 1993, Jay moved with his family to Burnsville to start a new progressive church in the south metro of the Twin Cities. Open Circle held its first public worship on Easter of 1994. It has been twenty great years. Prior to living in the Twin Cities, Jay served for eight years as pastor of Woodworth Church of the Brethren in Youngstown, OH. Jay has a B.A. in Political Science from Penn State University and M.Div. from Bethany Theological Seminary, then located in Chicago. Jay is married to Mary Ann who he met while both were working at McDonald's while in college. They have two children, Meagan and Ryan, who are both married and currently living in the Twin Cities. They have one grandchild so far, who brings them much joy. Jay enjoys gardening, fly fishing, politics, and playing the oboe.
In 1993, Jay moved with his family to Burnsville to start a new progressive church in the south metro of the Twin Cities. Open Circle held its first public worship on Easter of 1994. It has been twenty great years. Prior to living in the Twin Cities, Jay served for eight years as pastor of Woodworth Church of the Brethren in Youngstown, OH. Jay has a B.A. in Political Science from Penn State University and M.Div. from Bethany Theological Seminary, then located in Chicago. Jay is married to Mary Ann who he met while both were working at McDonald's while in college. They have two children, Meagan and Ryan, who are both married and currently living in the Twin Cities. They have one grandchild so far, who brings them much joy. Jay enjoys gardening, fly fishing, politics, and playing the oboe.
Pastoral Leadership Team (PLT)
The primary focus of the Pastoral Leadership Team is the spiritual and emotional health of members and leaders at Open Circle. Members of the Pastoral Leadership team are called by the congregation to foster spiritual and emotional health at Open Circle Church by helping individual members become connected with the church, finding ways for members to share their gifts with the community, encouraging members and leaders to engage in spiritual practices, providing leadership training, and generating ideas for community strengthening activities.
The primary focus of the Pastoral Leadership Team is the spiritual and emotional health of members and leaders at Open Circle. Members of the Pastoral Leadership team are called by the congregation to foster spiritual and emotional health at Open Circle Church by helping individual members become connected with the church, finding ways for members to share their gifts with the community, encouraging members and leaders to engage in spiritual practices, providing leadership training, and generating ideas for community strengthening activities.
Congregational Organizing Team (COT)
The primary focus of the Congregational Organizing Team is to help Open Circle run more smoothly. Members of the COT are called by the congregation because they have gifts and interests in organization and communication. They meet and communicate regularly with ministry team leaders to facilitate communication, planning, and management at Open Circle Church.
The primary focus of the Congregational Organizing Team is to help Open Circle run more smoothly. Members of the COT are called by the congregation because they have gifts and interests in organization and communication. They meet and communicate regularly with ministry team leaders to facilitate communication, planning, and management at Open Circle Church.