The Elders
John Fisher
My name is John, I am one of the Elders at Journey. I am incredibly blessed to be married to my wife Abby since 2006, and we have three awesome kiddos. I am originally from Tennessee and transplanted here to Fargo-Moorhead in 2008.
-My Journey-
I was a rebellious kid and lived apart from God until I was in high school when He rocked my world. I went to college at Western Kentucky University where the Lord called me out to pastor His people. I then attended seminary at Southern Seminary where he made it so apparent that missions and starting Churches was the plan He had for me!
Dude Garrett
Hi, I’m Dude Garrett (please don’t let “Dude” distract you. I got both my name, “Durward,” and my nickname, “Dude,” from my grandfather. Both names have been with me almost 70 years). My wife Karon (an Advanced Practice Nurse, DNP) and I have lived in North Dakota since my seminary graduation in 1981. We have 5 adult children and 12 grandchildren. I was the solo pastor of Temple Baptist before joining with Sojourn Church to form Journey Church in 2021.
-My Journey-
Growing up in rural Kansas, my mom was a believer in Jesus but my dad was not. I saw a very real difference and began to follow Jesus early on as at the age of 9, I intentionally and consciously asked Jesus to forgive my sins and be my savior. This personal journey of trusting Jesus led me more and more into connections with other believers and in my teen years, along with friends in church, I became very serious about spiritual growth. That growth changed my life course away from science and math to Bible and ministry. In my college years I felt called to be a pastor and in college and graduate school, began to prepare for that life calling. My 40 years as a pastor have grown my trust in Jesus, my love for brothers and sisters in Christ and my connections with people in many walks of life and cultural backgrounds. What a gift of grace it has been to walk with Jesus, watch my family grow, love people, and discover the ever changing opportunities to apply the truth of God's Word to this journey with Jesus. I count it a daily privilege to help others along this journey too.
Nate Dicks
My name is Nate. My wife, Jess, and I were married in 2006 after we meet in Fargo during college. We went where the military sent us while on active duty (North Carolina, Missouri, and Colorado) and blessed with two high-spirited boys Elijah and Noah, along the way. In 2016, we moved back to the Fargo-Moorhead area.
-My Journey-
Growing up in the church with my parents, who were followers of Christ. I came to know the Lord during Vacation Bible School. Growing in my faith, serving in various churches (from large to small), and with multiple missions (from youth VBS mission trips to building and home improvement ministries). God continues to work in my life, calling me to membership in the church, calling me to serve the church, calling me to be an Elder.
Scott Brottlund
My name is Scott. Jolene and I met as neighbors and were married in the Journey Church building (Temple Baptist) in 1980. We lived at Air Force Bases in North Dakota, Korea and Missouri until 1991 when we moved back to Fargo. We have been blessed with three adult children and nine grandchildren. I last worked for over 20 years as an IT professional before retiring in 2020.
-My Journey-
I grew up attending church in Kansas City, Missouri with my Great grandma, Grandparents, parents and siblings. I made a profession of faith and was baptized as an 8 year old. Moved to Fargo as a seventh grader. Since youth, I have been active in churches, going on mission trips, teaching Sunday School, VBS and bible studies. Wherever God has placed us, our faith has grown and we have been blessed as we trust and serve Jesus.