Meet the Worship Leader
An Interview with Joel Rohde, Worship Director at NRCC
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in a Christian home in Wilton, Iowa along with two loving parents and 3 younger brothers. I went to Calvary Church in Muscatine, IA until I graduated from Wilton high school. Go Beavers!
A: I grew up in a Christian home in Wilton, Iowa along with two loving parents and 3 younger brothers. I went to Calvary Church in Muscatine, IA until I graduated from Wilton high school. Go Beavers!
Q: What did you do after high school?
A: I attended Central College in Pella, IA where I studied music for awhile and then switched majors to religion. I lead worship for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship all through college. I also learned how to Dutch dance while living in Pella. After college I went down the road to Oskaloosa where I was the Director of Youth Ministries at First Presbyterian Church. I did that for 2 years before I felt God calling me into worship ministry here in Eldridge.
A: I attended Central College in Pella, IA where I studied music for awhile and then switched majors to religion. I lead worship for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship all through college. I also learned how to Dutch dance while living in Pella. After college I went down the road to Oskaloosa where I was the Director of Youth Ministries at First Presbyterian Church. I did that for 2 years before I felt God calling me into worship ministry here in Eldridge.
Q: Are you married and do you have a family?
A: I am married to a beautiful young woman named Pam. She is from North Central, Iowa. We met while at Central. She likes to sing and I like to listen. We have a son named Gabriel too. He is way into rock and roll...I think.
A: I am married to a beautiful young woman named Pam. She is from North Central, Iowa. We met while at Central. She likes to sing and I like to listen. We have a son named Gabriel too. He is way into rock and roll...I think.
Q: What brought you to Eldridge?
A: I feel that God really provided me with a lot of learning and training in worship ministry while at college. I have also been granted a real passion for outreach ministry. Pam is attending seminary in Dubuque, IA and the commute from Oskaloosa was long and hard. I prayed for months and when I felt that God was okay with me looking for another job I wrote up my resume. The very next day, before I had sent my resume to anyone, I received an e-mail from Pastor Doug asking me if I would be interested in applying for a worship leading position. I looked at the job description and it looked like the very thing I had been prepared to do while at college. I visited North Ridge and the community was so welcoming and loving that Pam and I knew right away that this was going to be our new home.
A: I feel that God really provided me with a lot of learning and training in worship ministry while at college. I have also been granted a real passion for outreach ministry. Pam is attending seminary in Dubuque, IA and the commute from Oskaloosa was long and hard. I prayed for months and when I felt that God was okay with me looking for another job I wrote up my resume. The very next day, before I had sent my resume to anyone, I received an e-mail from Pastor Doug asking me if I would be interested in applying for a worship leading position. I looked at the job description and it looked like the very thing I had been prepared to do while at college. I visited North Ridge and the community was so welcoming and loving that Pam and I knew right away that this was going to be our new home.
Q: What are some instruments that you play?
A: My main instruments are the keyboard/piano, vocals, and acoustic guitar. I have some proficiency in tuba and trumpet, drums, trombone, electric guitar, and bass guitar.
A: My main instruments are the keyboard/piano, vocals, and acoustic guitar. I have some proficiency in tuba and trumpet, drums, trombone, electric guitar, and bass guitar.
Q: What are some of your interests outside of church?
A: I really like baseball of all levels, I even umpire. I really enjoy video games, disc golf, playing cards, hanging out, going to music stores, and anything else that involves other people.
A: I really like baseball of all levels, I even umpire. I really enjoy video games, disc golf, playing cards, hanging out, going to music stores, and anything else that involves other people.
"Connecting people with Jesus and each other"
