Leadership

It is an immense joy and pleasure to serve, shepherd, and lead in various capacities here at CLEFC.

ELDER BOARD

The Board of Elders at Clear Lake Evangelical Free Church is composed of five members, elected to a three-year term by vote of the congregation. Elder terms are staggered so that one third of the members of the board will be elected at the annual business meeting held early each year. Nominees are expected to meet the biblical requirements set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.

Staff Members

We are excited to have Interim Pastor Max Frazier and his wife of 57 years, Marly, join us for the months ahead as we begin the search for our next Senior Pastor.

Their story began at Wheaton College, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, and his Master’s Degree in Old Testament, and Marlys earned hers in Elementary Education.

In 1999, Max stepped into a new role as Executive Director and Principal of Village Schools of the Bible in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. During his time there, he guided more than 2,000 adults through a cover to cover, college-credited, systematic study of the Bible in just 36 weeks - in addition to developing a variety of additional Bible courses to help students grow deeper in their faith.

Next came 12 years as a Lead Pastor at Buffalo Covenant Church in Buffalo, Minnesota. After “retiring” in 2022, Max and Marlys moved to Ankeny, Iowa where Max has continued serving by stepping in as an interim pastor for Evangelical Free Churches thoughout Iowa as they searched for full-time leadership.

They are blessed with three grown children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Cindi has been part of the CLEFC staff since 2010, faithfully serving in countless behind-the-scene ways that help the church run smoothly every week.

She has a love for photography and music, and enjoys sharing her artistry with others.

Cindi and her husband of 32 years, Steve, have three adult children- Katie (married to Tyler), Ryan, and Taylor. They are very proud grandparents to two grandsons, Cody and Noah.

Email: offic@clearlakefree.org

Jenni Sauer, *Director of Children and Student Ministries*

Jenni is excited to lead a unified cradle-to-graduation discipleship approach that equips parents, develops leaders, strengthens children’s and student ministries, and fosters a vibrant family-ministry culture aligned with CLEFC’s mission to make maturing disciples of Jesus Christ.

Jenni grew up in our church and graduated from Trinity International University with a degree in Children’s Ministry before returning to Clear Lake. She has been a dedicated member of CLEFC for nearly 18 years and has served in many capacities—from helping in the nursery to teaching Sunday School, leading a high school small group, and coordinating Vacation Bible School. Jenni is married to Matt, and they have three daughters: Makenna, Emma, and Lila.