Meet Our Staff

Mike Lotzer | Lead Pastor

Mike has served Mercy Road Church since January 2017 and has been married to Erica since 2005. The couple have been friends since middle school and have three wonderful kids; Clark, Isaac and Adeline. Mike came to Mercy Road having formerly served at Christian Assembly in Los Angeles, Faith Covenant in Burnsville, and Hosanna Church in Lakeville. Mike also served as an Army Chaplain both stateside and on active duty in the War in Iraq after receiving his M.Div. from Fuller Seminary. Mike is passionate about encouraging people to follow Jesus, changed lives, and eternity. Mike has a gift for preaching, teaching, creative problem solving, and mercy.

“Mike cares deeply for his flock exactly where they are at, and yet he challenges them to continued growth on their spiritual journey”. - Pastor Bill Bohline: Founding Pastor of Hosanna Church

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Chad Murphy | Spiritual Formation Pastor

Chad was the Senior Pastor of Cross of Christ Community Church in Lakeville for 12 years until they merged with Mercy Road Church. He is married to Carrie and has two adult children: Jordan who is married to Mark Prescher and Joshua. Chad and Carrie have recently been blessed with their 1^stgrandchild Emma June Prescher. Before his time at Cross of Christ Community Church, Chad was a Campus Pastor at Friendship Church in Prior Lake.

Chad has a Masters in Transformational Leadership from Bethel Seminary. He loves to teach and preach the Word of God and also loves to serve as a shepherd to those God brings into his life.

"Chad is warm, friendly, and humble. He treasures sharing God's word and loves shepherding those God brings into our church family." - Lisa Todd, Board Member

Listen to Chad's story - click here

Ari Zink | Pastor of Worship

Ari accepted the invitation to join the staff of Mercy Road Church in 2017. He and his wife Bre have four children, Haven, Leo, Rhea, and Moses. Ari is a gentle soul with a deep assuring voice who exudes a love for Jesus and people. Ari is a trained and versatile musician capable of leading modern and classical styles of music. He leverages this range to facilitate a unique and welcoming culture of worship at Mercy Road. He is passionate about bringing people of all ages and life experiences into an ongoing relationship with Christ through prayer and song. Before coming on full time in 2022, Ari was a music educator for 10+ years. He leverages this experience to pour into and equip the church to worship in spirit and in truth.

“Ari has a voice that soothes and points people to Jesus. He’s built like a linebacker yet has a heart that is tender to all people. Ari is gifted at bringing people of various backgrounds into intimate and authentic musical worship that engages the head, heart, and hands. ” - Pastor Mike Lotzer

Kerry Davison | Kids Ministry Director

Kerry never imagined working for a church! She has always been passionate about encouraging kids and families but never felt “qualified” for ministry. After five years of volunteering at Mercy Road, Kerry accepted the invitation to lead Mercy Road’s Kids Ministry and loves her job. Kerry knows firsthand how a relationship with Jesus can completely change a person’s life and feels humbled to share God’s love with our youngest souls—as well as encouraging their parents. In March 2023, Kerry completed her final year at The Central School of Ministry (The Evangelical Church graduate-level ministry training program). Kerry and her husband Len have a daughter named Molly and son-in-law Jacob. Kerry previously worked in a school district for 12 years in the special education department, where her passion and skill-sets for helping kids and families matured. Kerry’s gift for organization also allows her to serve the church in an administrative role.

“Kerry exudes God’s mercy to everyone she meets. Her desire to see children come to know and love Jesus is unmistakable. Kerry understands that parents are meant to be the leading spiritual influencers of their children and works diligently to encourage and equip them in practical ways.” – Katie Boyce: Former MRC Board Member

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