Bill & JoAnne Christensen, Senior Associate
& Music Pastor

Born in Wisconsin as a P.K. (pastor’s kid), Pastor Bill grew up in a pastor’s family
with three brothers and two sisters. (Four are now serving in full-time ministry).
His mother and dad sacrificed greatly to see the work of God established in their
churches, often working extra hours just to support the family.  Over the years,
God has richly blessed their ministry and congregations have been birthed,
and buildings erected to the glory of God.  

Pastor Bill accepted Christ  as a pre-schooler, and sensed the call of God on his life
from an early age.  While growing up, music was an integral part of family life,
as his dad and mom sang duets, dad played the violin, and all the kids took piano
lessons (some for a very short time!).  Sometimes the four older siblings would
sing as a group, or the whole family would join together to minister in song.
As a teenager, Bill played trombone and bass guitar while participating in the school
band, church orchestra and Teen Talent Competitions (now titled Fine Arts!). 
He felt that someday God might use him in full-time ministry. 

Toward the end of high school Bill began to earnestly seek the Lord for educational, vocational and “marital” guidance. God opened up his eyes to Jo Anne J, whom he met in his home church.  The two dated for a time, and then broke off the relationship.  Bill enrolled at North Central University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Sacred Music.  During this time he balanced his studies, work and ministry in the college chorale, band and various touring ensembles.  Toward the end of his senior year, God miraculously brought Bill and Jo Anne back together, and they were engaged to be married in the fall. 

In the meantime, a pastor from Michigan invited Bill to join his pastoral staff and direct the church music program.  Though he at first rejected the idea of serving as a Minister of Music (he thought it was much too easy, and didn’t require the appropriate amount of sacrifice that ministry should entail), God called Pastor Bill to do “just that” in his first ministry position in Niles, MI (1980-86).  Soon after Bill arrived in Niles, he and Jo Anne were married, and their ministry together commenced.  While serving there, Jo Anne finished her B.A. in Communications at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI, and their first child, Michelle, was born.  After 6 ½ years of service, the Christensens accepted a call to St. Cloud, MN, where Stephanie was born.  In 1988, the Lord brought them to Trinity Assembly of God. 

Pastor Bill is blessed with a wonderful helpmate, Jo Anne, who ministers in singing, worship and drama.  She is a joyful and energetic partner with him in all aspects of the music ministry!.  His daughter Michelle is teaching with a degree in Elementary Education, and his daughter Stephanie, is currently attending North Central University.  “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:13 - NASV) and “With God all things are possible” (Matt. 19:26 – NASV) are his family’s favorite Bible verses. 

Pastor Bill’s desire is that every believer will develop and use their talents and abilities in the kingdom of God.  He wants the music and drama ministries of Trinity to bring glory to God by reaching the unsaved and discipling the saints.  He loves seeing people touched by the Spirit as they worship God! 

CONTACT:  billc@trinitymm.org