Meet the Staff
Steve and Nancy Aleksuk
Senior Pastors
Pastors Steve and Nancy Aleksuk have overseen the ministries of 3 Degrees, formerly known as The New Union, since 1992. They met as volunteers when the ministry first opened and were married in 1990. Prior to entering the ministry, Steve was a successful Printed Circuit Board Designer and Nancy was a Finance Manager for a local car dealership. If they could sum up their heart for the congregation, it would be found in Col. 1:9 which reads ‘…that you would be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.’” They have 6 grandchildren, one of whom, Keeshawn, lives with them full time. Pastor Nancy currently works full time as a Commercial Interior Designer and oversees Tenant Relations and Leasing for a commercial real estate developer based in the Warehouse District in Minneapolis.
Travona Newell
Worship and Connection Leader
Travona loves to worship and has been singing her whole life. Her favorite scripture can be found in Psalm 150:6 “Let everything that hath breathe praise the Lord. Praise yes the Lord”. She is also a part of the prison ministry outreach team at 3 Degrees and led The Connection prior to stepping into this role. Travona is a graduate of Aveda Institute and works as a stylist in Golden Valley.
Amanda Kistler
Ministry Admin / Children’s Ministry
Amanda showed up to help clean during the construction phase of 3 Degrees in 2003 and never left. She joined the full-time staff as our Administrative Assistant in 2005. Amanda helps to coordinate every aspect of the ministry and is the current Children’s Ministry Director. Her love of craft projects and duct tape make her a favorite with the kids as she uses practical fun ways to bring home Bible truths.
Joe and Leana Dahler
Youth Directors
Joe and Leana have served in the ministry of 3 Degrees for over 11 years in a variety of capacities. In 2013, they assumed the roles as Youth Directors. Both Joe and Leana have a passion to bring the Bible alive in practical and fun ways that speak to the heart of our youth. They are not afraid to tackle tough subjects and always take the opportunity to teach the kids how to live for Christ. Joe owns his own IT company and grew up in the Twin Cities. Leana works as an office administrator.
Nye von Hunke
Graphic Design, Web Design, Marketing and Promotion
Nye came to 3 Degrees during the transition from The New Union to downtown in October 2003. First serving as a volunteer in security, he began volunteering doing supplemental graphic design and managing the production team in 2006. Nye splits his time between a home in Minneapolis and a home in Honolulu, Hawaii. He strives to bring the excellence and love from 3 Degrees to everyone he meets and to other ministries where he is involved.
Dalon and Marilee Janssen
Associate Minister, Board Member
Dalon is on the Board of Directors of 3 Degrees Ministries. He grew up in Iowa and moved to Minneapolis after graduation. He began volunteering for this ministry in 1989 and has served in many different capacities over the years. Dalon is a successful businessman as well as a gifted Bible teacher. He is a favorite among the congregation and often fills in for Pastors Steve and Nancy when they are gone. Marilee oversees our Prison Ministry Outreach, Soul Purpose. She was a single mom for many years and has a powerful testimony of God’s goodness in restoring her life. Dalon and Marilee were married in 2012.
John Homer
Director of Finances, Board Member
John sits on the Board of Directors as Secretary and is also the Director of Finances for 3 Degrees. John started serving in 1995, originally as part of the security team as well as faithfully attending prayer groups. He is originally from Oregon and currently lives in downtown Minneapolis. John retired in December, 2008 and now volunteers his time to the ministry full-time; a desire he has had for many years. John also leads a Bible Study group “Living Faith”.
Charlie Kistler
Director of Evangelism
Charlie has been the Director of Evangelism since March 2007. He became a Christian in 1974 but it was not until receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit that he developed a passion to share the Gospel with people he comes in contact with. Charlie meets for prayer every Thursday evening before taking a team out onto the streets of downtown Minneapolis. His approach is to share the love of God, while being careful never to be antagonistic. God is always faithful to lead them to the right people at the right time! Charlie and his wife, Carol, have two grown children, and live in Brooklyn Park. He lives by Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” To Charlie, this includes starting in our own back yard!
Donna Boyd
Bookstore
Donna started coming to 3 Degrees after she and her son attended a Christmas dinner outreach in 2006. According to Donna, “the word preached at 3 Degrees has changed me!” and she loves to share that passion for the Word of God with others.
